Home British & World English there is no telling

Definition of there is no telling in English:

there is no telling

phrase

  • Used to convey the impossibility of knowing what has happened or will happen.

    ‘there's no telling how she will react’
    • ‘Because there is no telling whether these children would have survived had we gone down the path you are suggesting.’
    • ‘Still, there is no telling whether as president he would be so unequivocal.’
    • ‘I think there is no telling what it might launch.’
    • ‘Of course, there is no telling how far the current climate of cigar taxation and smoking-bans will go.’
    • ‘He is safe and unharmed physically, but when you see people jump from buildings and been part of such a terrible ordeal, there is no telling what he may have suffered psychologically.’
    • ‘Should the elections be held freely, there is no telling what the outcome will be.’
    • ‘Also, there is no telling whether or not you will be caught one day.’
    • ‘With bricks going through the windows, there is no telling what injuries could have been caused.’
    • ‘And he couldn't draw up a plan for his sculptures for one simple reason: The river supplies his materials, and there is no telling what the river will bring.’
    • ‘It is free to visit - though there is no telling for how long.’