(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, per Goldberg, who has been with Skydance since its launch in 2010.
—
Jennifer Maas, Variety, 21 May 2024
As of now, there’s no word yet on when that could happen, but only time will tell if that plan comes to fruition.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
There certainly are some more economic concerns in the mix so time will tell if this pans out.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024
Life organizers haven’t confirmed or denied whether or not Swift will be making it out to the festival, but only time will tell.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2024
Only time will tell what is in store for these and other major studios as lasting effects of the pandemic, declining franchise support, streaming impact and more continue to evolve the face of entertainment.
—Amanda Cioletti, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Experts said that travelers first need to know that Boeing planes largely remain safe, but only time will tell if the company’s C-suite shakeup results in real, positive change.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024
Only time will tell how putting more money in the hands of women will impact the world.
—Holly Corbett, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Only time will tell what happens with the women in the cocktail party, and who will ultimately be eliminated in this week’s rose ceremony — which will be revealed tomorrow night as this week’s two-day Bachelor marathon continues.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2024
Jennifer Maas, Variety, 21 May 2024
As of now, there’s no word yet on when that could happen, but only time will tell if that plan comes to fruition.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
There certainly are some more economic concerns in the mix so time will tell if this pans out.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024
Life organizers haven’t confirmed or denied whether or not Swift will be making it out to the festival, but only time will tell.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2024
Only time will tell what is in store for these and other major studios as lasting effects of the pandemic, declining franchise support, streaming impact and more continue to evolve the face of entertainment.
—Amanda Cioletti, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Experts said that travelers first need to know that Boeing planes largely remain safe, but only time will tell if the company’s C-suite shakeup results in real, positive change.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024
Only time will tell how putting more money in the hands of women will impact the world.
—Holly Corbett, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Only time will tell what happens with the women in the cocktail party, and who will ultimately be eliminated in this week’s rose ceremony — which will be revealed tomorrow night as this week’s two-day Bachelor marathon continues.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '(only) time will tell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 28 May. 2024.
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