From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English(only) time will tell(only) time will tellused to say that at some time in the future it will become clear whether or not something is true, right etc Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful. → time
Examples from the Corpus
(only) time will tell• BProbably, but time will tell.• The expert answers by saying that the story is very important and only time will tell about the future.• That is the real test of leadership, and only time will tell.• Whether that was worth the price of the fare, only time will tell.• Whether the Order will continue to grow, only time will tell.• Only time will tell if this agreement will bring a lasting peace.• Only time will tell if this is a serious effort at improving both public sector accountability and overall performance.• Only time will tell whether it can hold its place in this competitive field. 