Time will tell Meaning in English
expression
ˈtaɪm/ /ˈwɪɫ/, /wəɫ/ /ˈtɛɫ
TYM-wil-TEL
tˈaɪm/ /wˈɪl/ /tˈɛl
TYM-wil-TEL
Definition
This expression means that only in the future will we know the answer or outcome to something uncertain now.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to express uncertainty about the future, often to end a discussion or give a neutral opinion. It is neutral in tone and commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Spanish: el tiempo lo diráPortuguese (BR): o tempo diráPortuguese (PT): o tempo diráChinese (Simplified): 时间会证明一切Chinese (Traditional): 時間會證明一切Hindi: समय बताएगाArabic: الزمن سيكشفBengali: সময়ই বলবে - সময় বলবেRussian: время покажетJapanese: 時が経てば分かる - 時が教えてくれるVietnamese: thời gian sẽ trả lờiKorean: 시간이 말해줄 것이다Turkish: zaman gösterecekUrdu: وقت ہی بتائے گاIndonesian: waktu yang akan menjawab - waktu akan membuktikan
Example Sentences
Only time will tell if the medicine works.
basic
We don't know if they will win—time will tell.
basic
Is this the right decision? Time will tell.
basic
Maybe he'll change his mind—time will tell.
natural
We did our best, but time will tell how things turn out.
natural
He thinks his new business will succeed, but only time will tell.
natural