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What does “time will tell” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
The truth or result will only become clear in the future
“Whether it works out, time will tell.”
From the B2 lesson What's Next? (the future).
C1
The truth or result of something will only become clear in the future
“Whether the plan works, only time will tell.”
From the C1 lesson What's Next? (the future).
Quick check
What does “time will tell” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“time will tell” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- what does the future holdwhat will happen in the future (uncertain)
- read the writing on the wallto notice clear signs that something is about to happen
- sooner or latereventually, at some point
- in the pipelinebeing planned or developed, but not yet finished or announced
- before you know itvery soon; quicker than expected
- in the near futurefairly soon
- up in the airnot yet decided; uncertain
- a sign of things to comean early indication of what will happen later
- see how things goto wait and observe before making a firm decision
- it's only a matter of timeused to say something is certain to happen eventually, even if you don't know exactly when
- on the cardslikely to happen; being considered as a possibility
- before longsoon; within a short time