There’s no telling
phrase
It's impossible to predict or know for sure.
They just walked out and there's no telling when they'll be back.

Often appears as...
- there's no telling when
- there's no telling what
phrase
It's impossible to predict or know for sure.
They just walked out and there's no telling when they'll be back.

Often appears as...
- there's no telling when
- there's no telling what
Definition 1 of 1

Uncertainty
Use it to express that an outcome can't be predicted with any certainty.

He's applying for jobs, and there's no telling which company will hire him.
Conversational
Fits well in casual conversation more than formal writing.

With this weather, there's no telling if we'll have the picnic.
No Control
Suggests a lack of control over future events or outcomes.

With the unpredictable market, there's no telling what our profits will look like.
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