确定性和可能性 - Uncertainty

too close to call [短语]

almost impossible to predict who will win and who will lose, particularly in a competition

almost impossible to predict who will win and who will lose, particularly in a competition

Ex: The race was too close to call until the final seconds when one team scored a winning goal .

a question mark [hang] over {sth} [短语]

a feeling of uncertainty and doubt about something

Ex: A question mark hangs over the future of the company and I 'm sure you do n't need me to remind you of that .

to [set|put] the record straight [短语]

to correct a false story, misunderstanding, or incorrect belief by giving the true facts

Ex: In his press conference , the spokesperson aimed to set the record straight regarding the company 's recent financial performance .

you never know [句子]

used to say that even if the happening of something is unlikely, it is not impossible

Ex: There might be an even bigger one – I doubt it , but you never know .

gray area [名词]

a situation that is hard to define or categorize and therefore unclear

灰色地带

Ex: When it comes to environmental regulations , there 's a gray area where economic interests clash with ecological concerns .

当涉及到环境法规时，有一个灰色地带，经济利益与生态问题在这里发生冲突。

to [have] second thoughts [短语]

to start doubting a decision and begin to wonder whether it is the right or best thing to do

Ex: It seems like our client has second thoughts .

(shot|stab) in the dark [短语]

an attempt to guess or do something without having sufficient information or knowing the consequences

Ex: I had no idea how to fix the leaky faucet , so I made a stab in the dark and tried adjusting the valve , and it worked .

in the balance [短语]

used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

Ex: The election results are in the balance , and it 's too close to call a winner at this point .

to [be] (anyone's|anybody's) (guess|call) [短语]

to be difficult or almost impossible to predict the outcome of a situation or event

Ex: When it will stop raining is anyone 's guess ; the weather has been so unpredictable .

to [take] {sth} with a grain of salt [短语]

to only accept a part of something or not take it seriously at all

Ex: When reading online reviews , it 's essential to take them with a grain of salt , as some may not be genuine .

wild card [名词]

a person or thing with uncertain or uncontrollable qualities or capabilities

外卡

Ex: In the playoffs , the underdog team became the wild card , surprising everyone with their unexpected victories .

在季后赛中，劣势队伍成为了黑马，以他们意想不到的胜利让所有人感到惊讶。

rope of sand [短语]

a thing that is nowhere as good or strong as it appears

Ex: Despite their vows of loyalty , their partnership turned out to be a rope of sand , as they quickly drifted apart .

under a cloud of suspicion [短语]

viewed with doubt or mistrust, even if not proven

Ex: The CEO resigned under a cloud of suspicion after the audit revealed irregularities .

how long is a piece of string [句子]

used to say that it is impossible to answer a question concerning the size, length, or amount of something

Ex: When asked how long it will take to complete a complex project , the project manager replied , " How long is a piece of string ? "

give or take [短语]

used to say that the amount mentioned might be a little more or less than the exact amount

Ex: The recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar , give or take a tablespoon .

neck and neck [短语]

used to describe a situation where no clear advantage or resolution has emerged, leaving the final result uncertain

Ex: After hours of negotiation , the talks are still neck and neck , with no clear resolution in sight .

neither fish nor fowl [短语]

used to describe a person or thing that is hard to describe or classify

Ex: Medical interns are neither fish nor fowl .

dog's chance [名词]

a very little or no chance of success

狗的机会

Ex: In the competitive job market, recent graduates sometimes feel like they have a dog's chance of finding their dream job.

在竞争激烈的就业市场中，应届毕业生有时会觉得他们找到梦想工作的机会微乎其微。

to [twist|swing|hang] in the wind [短语]

(of a person) to be in a state of uncertainty or confusion

Ex: Critics accused the Prime Minister of leaving the minister swinging in the wind and insist that he should back him or sack him.

确定性和可能性
Certainty	Uncertainty	不太可能的情况	不可能
运气与机会	Possibility	Likelihood	期望
Unexpected	Unbelievable	确定或不可避免