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Certainty & Possibility - Uncertainty

Explore English idioms regarding uncertainty with examples like "have second thoughts" and "too close to call".

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English idioms related to Certainty & Possibility

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

Ex: The film awards ceremony saw two outstanding performances , and it too close to call which actor would win the Best Actor category .
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a feeling of uncertainty and doubt about something

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to clear something of any misunderstanding or misinterpretation

Ex: The athlete used a public statement put the record straight about the doping allegations , asserting their innocence .
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you never know
[sentence]

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

Ex: Sometimesyou never know who you 'll meet and what opportunities will come your way .
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gray area
[noun]

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

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

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

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used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

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

Ex: Given the unpredictable nature of the stock market , 's anyone 's call whether the company 's shares will rise or fall tomorrow .
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to only accept a part of something or not take it seriously at all

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wild card
[noun]

a person or thing with uncertain or uncontrollable qualities or capabilities

Ex: When negotiating , it 's crucial to consider the wild cards that could impact the outcome of the deal .
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rope of sand
[phrase]

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

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suspected or disapproved of due to previous deeds

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

Ex: When inquired about the number of possible variations for the design , the architect humorously asked , How long is a piece of string? "
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give or take
[phrase]

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

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

Ex: The courtroom drama left the jury members in deliberation , and the case neck and neck until a verdict was reached .
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used to describe a person or thing that is hard to describe or classify

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a very little or no chance of success

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

Ex: After the sudden resignation of the CEO , the company 's future was twisting in the wind.
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Certainty & Possibility
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