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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
too close to call

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

Ex: The two candidates are so evenly matched that it's too close to call.
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a question mark [hang] over {sth}

a feeling of uncertainty and doubt about something

Ex: A question mark hangs over whether the deal will actually go through.
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to [set|put] the record straight

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

Ex: He finally set the record straight and admitted the mistake was his.
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you never know
you never know
[sentence]

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

Ex: It sounds unlikely, but you never know what could happen.
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gray area
gray area
[noun]

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

Ex: His role in the decision remains a gray area.
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to [have] second thoughts

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

Ex: If you're having second thoughts, we can delay the decision.
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(shot|stab) in the dark

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

Ex: Her theory was a stab in the dark, but it led us to the right answer.
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in the balance

used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

Ex: Thousands of jobs are now in the balance.
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to [be] (anyone's|anybody's) (guess|call)

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

Ex: At this stage, the final cost is anybody's guess.
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to [take] {sth} with a grain of salt

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

Ex: He said the deal was certain, but I took that with a grain of salt.
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wild card
wild card
[noun]

a person or thing with uncertain or uncontrollable qualities or capabilities

Ex: The software update is a wild card because no one knows how old devices will handle it .
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rope of sand
rope of sand
[phrase]

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

Ex: The plan was praised as solid, but in practice it proved to be a rope of sand.
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under a cloud of suspicion

viewed with doubt or mistrust, even if not proven

Ex: The sudden resignation put the whole board under a cloud of suspicion.
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how long is a piece of string

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

Ex: How much damage did the storm cause?How long is a piece of string?
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give or take
give or take
[phrase]

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

Ex: The package weighs five kilos, give or take.
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neck and neck

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

Ex: The issue is neck and neck, so the committee will meet again next week.
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neither fish nor fowl

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

Ex: The building is neither fish nor fowl, somewhere between a hotel and an apartment block.
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dog's chance

a very little or no chance of success

Ex: She has a dog's chance of getting the job if she doesn't prepare for the interview.
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to [twist|swing|hang] in the wind

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

Ex: The committee delayed the announcement and left everyone hanging in the wind.
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