Lingo

Uncertainty

17 Words

9m

1.
too close to call
Phrase

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

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

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2.
a question mark [hang] over {sth}
Phrase

a feeling of uncertainty and doubt about something

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

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3.
[set|put] the record straight
Phrase

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

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

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4.
you never know
content.sentence

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

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

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5.
gray area
Noun

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

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

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6.
on second thought
Phrase

used to state that one has adopted a different opinion

I initially agreed to the plan, but on second thought, I think it might be too risky.

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7.
(shot|stab) in the dark
Phrase

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

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.

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8.
in the balance
Phrase

used to refer to something that is in an uncertain state

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

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9.
[take] {sth} with a grain of salt
Phrase

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

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

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10.
wild card
Noun

a person or thing with uncertain or uncontrollable qualities or capabilities

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

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11.
rope of sand
Phrase

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

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

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12.
under a cloud of suspicion
Phrase

viewed with doubt or mistrust, even if not proven

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

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13.
how long is a piece of string
content.sentence

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

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

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14.
give or take
Phrase

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

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

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15.
neck and neck
Phrase

used when two or more participants in a race or competition are very close and have an equal chance of winning

The two candidates in the election are running neck and neck in the polls, making it a tight race.

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16.
neither fish nor fowl
Phrase

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

Medical interns are neither fish nor fowl.They are neither students nor fully qualified practitioners.

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17.
[twist|swing|hang] in the wind
Phrase

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

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

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