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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 was too close to call which actor would win the Best Actor category.
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a feeling of uncertainty and doubt about something

Ex: The sudden change in weather conditions has a question mark hanging over the planned outdoor event.
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to clear something of any misunderstanding or misinterpretation

Ex: The athlete used a public statement to 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

Ex: The boundaries of privacy in the digital age often exist in gray area, raising important questions about personal data and surveillance .
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to start doubting a decision and begin to wonder whether it is the right or best thing to do

Ex: The team was about to implement a new strategy, but they had second thoughts when they considered the potential risks.
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an attempt to guess or do something without having sufficient information or knowing the consequences

Ex: Investing in stocks can sometimes feel like stab in the dark, as market conditions can be unpredictable .
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used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

Ex: The success of the new product launch is in the balance, pending customer feedback and sales figures.
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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, it'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

Ex: The scientist's groundbreaking discovery should not be taken with a grain of salt; it has been thoroughly tested and confirmed by multiple experts.
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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

Ex: In a world where alliances can be as fragile as a rope of sand, it's essential to establish solid foundations for cooperation.
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suspected or disapproved of due to previous deeds

Ex: The teacher had been under a cloud of suspicion since the cheating incident in the classroom, which led to her suspension.
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used to say that it is impossible to answer a question concerning the size, length, or amount of something

Ex: The chef was asked how much salt to add to the dish, and he quipped, "It depends on how long a piece of string you have."
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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

Ex: She estimated the project would cost around $ 10,000give or take a few hundred dollars depending on material prices .
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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

Ex: The building's architectural design was neither fish nor fowl, blending several different styles to create something distinctive yet challenging to categorize.
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a very little or no chance of success

Ex: The rescue mission in the treacherous terrain seemed like a dog's chance, but they successfully saved all the hikers.
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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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