unknown quantity
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I was quite pleased with the Branxton animals because that was a bit of an unknown quantity, how well they'd do," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
The real Colbert, not the character, would helm the show, and that guy behind the mask was still an unknown quantity to the viewing public.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026
His show premiered around the same time another unknown quantity was throwing his hat in the political ring: Donald Trump.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026
The firm added the crash had caused "multiple explosions" on board and an unknown quantity of jet fuel to be released.
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2025
This is when I realize that Safer might be what Mom calls an unknown quantity.
From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
