time will tell

Idioms  

1. Sooner or later something will become known or be revealed, as in I don't know whether or not they'll like the reconstruction; only time will tell. This proverbial phrase dates from the early 1500s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time will tell

Neelesh Reddy, a senior consultant oncologist at Manipal Hospitals, told AFP that "only time will tell how this technology will be useful to the actual patients".

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

As much as Mr. Mamdani needs the extra cash and efficiency, time will tell if he has the political will to see it through.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Exactly what, time will tell, but this final snippet comes after Season 4 and possibly before the start of Season 5.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2026

Beyond that, only time will tell what the future holds for LIV.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

Only time will tell, ladies and gentlemen, only time will tell.

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling