(only) time will tell
idiom
—used to say that the results of a situation will be known only after a certain amount of time has passed
"Will he be OK?" "I don't know. Only time will tell."
Examples of (only) time will tell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Only time will tell, but the pairing’s upside was on full display Sunday.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
Whether Bitcoin, design, or travel can truly sustain this new narrative, only time will tell.
—Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
As for how that new price will play out for consumers in the complex health care system, only time will tell.
—Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025
Only time will tell if that’s the case, or if the former footballer is actually offended enough to ditch his co-hosting gig with Sharpe over the of hiring his ex.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for (only) time will tell 
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Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
Whether Bitcoin, design, or travel can truly sustain this new narrative, only time will tell.
—Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
As for how that new price will play out for consumers in the complex health care system, only time will tell.
—Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025
Only time will tell if that’s the case, or if the former footballer is actually offended enough to ditch his co-hosting gig with Sharpe over the of hiring his ex.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for (only) time will tell
Dictionary Entries Near (only) time will tell
Cite this Entry
“(only) time will tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28only%29%20time%20will%20tell. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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