How to Pronounce "only time will tell"
expression
ˈoʊnɫi/ /ˈtaɪm/ /ˈwɪɫ/, /wəɫ/ /ˈtɛɫ
OHN-lee TYM wil TEL
ˈəʊnli/ /tˈaɪm/ /wˈɪl/ /tˈɛl
OHN-lee TYM wil TEL
Definition
You use this expression to say that nobody knows the answer now, and you have to wait and see what happens in the future.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈoʊnɫi/ /ˈtaɪm/ /ˈwɪɫ/, /wəɫ/ /ˈtɛɫ
British English
ˈəʊnli/ /tˈaɪm/ /wˈɪl/ /tˈɛl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
OHN-lee TYM wil TEL
UK
OHN-lee TYM wil TEL
Listen in Context
Will the new store be successful? Only time will tell.
Is this medicine really effective? Only time will tell.
Will they stay friends after school? Only time will tell.
I hope my plants survive the winter, but only time will tell.