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

Only time will tell if that turns out to be true.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

Only time will tell, but Kalinowski thinks it can.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

Only time will tell if the FA's work has paid off for the 2027 World Cup, but Smith believes there is enough depth coming through England's youth teams.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

And only time will tell which side of this debate is right.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Let’s ground this one. only time will tell.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner