Certainty & Possibility - Uncertainty

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

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Certainty & Possibility
too close to call
too close to call [phrase]

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

Ex: The talent competition was so fierce that it was too close to call , and the judges had a tough decision to make .
to [set|put] the record straight
to [set|put] the record straight [phrase]

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

Ex: He wrote a letter to the editor to set the record straight .
you never know
you never know [sentence]

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

Ex: You never know , your dream job might be just around the corner .
gray area
gray area [noun]

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

Ex: The ethics of using animals in medical testing can be a gray area , as it involves balancing scientific progress with animal welfare .
to [have] second thoughts
to [have] second thoughts [phrase]

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

Ex: She was planning to buy a new car but had second thoughts when she saw the steep monthly payments .
(shot|stab) in the dark
(shot|stab) in the dark [phrase]

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

Ex: His guess about the password was a stab in the dark , but miraculously , he got it right .
in the balance
in the balance [phrase]

used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

Ex: The patient 's recovery is still in the balance , and the doctors are closely monitoring their condition .
to [be] (anyone's|anybody's) (guess|call)
to [be] (anyone's|anybody's) (guess|call) [phrase]

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

Ex: The outcome of the negotiations is anyone 's guess at this point , as both parties remain tight-lipped .
to [take] {sth} with a grain of salt
to [take] {sth} with a grain of salt [phrase]

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

Ex: He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments , so I always take his claims with a grain of salt .
wild card
wild card [noun]

a person or thing with uncertain or uncontrollable qualities or capabilities

Ex: Her creative approach to problem-solving was like a wild card in the team , often leading to innovative solutions .
rope of sand
rope of sand [phrase]

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

Ex: The project 's success was hanging by a thread , like a rope of sand , with inadequate planning and resources .
under a cloud of suspicion
under a cloud of suspicion [phrase]

viewed with doubt or mistrust, even if not proven

Ex: The athlete competed under a cloud of suspicion following doping rumors .
how long is a piece of string
how long is a piece of string [sentence]

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 ? "
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 car 's fuel efficiency is about 30 miles per gallon , give or take a mile or two depending on driving conditions .
neck and neck
neck and neck [phrase]

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 remained neck and neck until a verdict was reached .
neither fish nor fowl
neither fish nor fowl [phrase]

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

Ex: Her unique style of art is neither fish nor fowl in the art world , making it challenging to define or categorize .
to [twist|swing|hang] in the wind
to [twist|swing|hang] in the wind [phrase]

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

Ex: The employees felt like they were twisting in the wind as they awaited news of impending layoffs .
Certainty & Possibility
Certainty Uncertainty Unlikely Situations Impossibility
Luck & Chance Possibility Likelihood Expectations
Unexpected Unbelievable Definite or Unavoidable