How long is a piece of string?

usgb
idiom

Used to suggest that there's no definite or answerable question about something, or it varies greatly.

How much longer will we have to wait? How long is a piece of string? I don't know the answer.
Visual representation of "how long is a piece of string?" - Used to suggest that there's no definite or answerable question about something, or it varies greatly.

Often appears as...

  • how much does it cost - how long is a piece of string?
  • can you tell me - how long is a piece of string?

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "how long is a piece of string?"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Uncertainty Context

Use when an exact number or amount cannot easily be given or is unknown.

Illustration for Uncertainty Context
How long will the meeting last? Well, how long is a piece of string?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Non-literal Use

Understand it's a rhetorical question, not expecting a literal answer about string.

Illustration for Non-literal Use
How successful will the project be? That's like asking how long is a piece of string.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Overuse

Use sparingly to avoid vagueness in situations where specifics are important.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
When budgeting, instead of asking 'How long is a piece of string?', seek exact figures.
Visual representation of the word "How long is a piece of string?"

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