There is no telling Meaning in English
expression
ˈðɛɹ/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈnoʊ/ /ˈtɛɫɪŋ
THAIR-iz-NOH-TEL-ing
ðˈeə/ /ˈɪz/ /nəʊ/ /tˈɛlɪŋ
THAIR-iz-NOH-TEL-ing
Definition
Used to say that it is impossible to know or predict what will happen.
Usage & Nuances
This is a set phrase, usually used to express uncertainty about the future. Often followed by what or how, as in 'there is no telling what will happen next'. Suitable for spoken and written English. Avoid translating literally.
Spanish: es imposible saber - no se puede saberPortuguese (BR): não dá para saber - impossível dizerPortuguese (PT): não dá para saber - impossível dizerChinese (Simplified): 无法预知 - 很难说Chinese (Traditional): 無法預知 - 很難說Hindi: कहा नहीं जा सकताArabic: لا يمكن معرفةBengali: কিছুই বলা যায় না - বলা কঠিনRussian: невозможно сказать - трудно предсказатьJapanese: どうなるか分からない - 予測できないVietnamese: không ai biết được - không thể biết trướcKorean: 알 수 없다 - 예측할 수 없다Turkish: ne olacağı belli olmaz - kestirmek zorUrdu: کچھ نہیں کہا جا سکتاIndonesian: tidak ada yang tahu - tidak bisa dipastikan
Example Sentences
There is no telling what she will do next.
basic
With the weather like this, there is no telling if our flight will leave on time.
basic
There is no telling how long this will take.
basic
With him, there is no telling what might happen at the party.
natural
Honestly, there is no telling how she’ll react to the news.
natural
We tried our best, but there is no telling if it will work out in the end.
natural