jury is out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘jury is out’ mean?
The idiom "jury is out" means that a decision or verdict has not been reached yet and it is still uncertain or undetermined. It can be used when discussing a situation or topic where the outcome or final judgment is not clear.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "laugh out of court" means to ridicule or dismiss something as ridiculous or absurd, especially in a legal context. It implies that the argument or claim is so lacking in credibility that it would not be taken seriously in a court of law.
The idiom "jump out" means to stand out or be noticeable due to its distinct or unusual characteristics.
The idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" refers to a person who takes on multiple roles in a situation, unilaterally making decisions and carrying out their own form of justice without any oversight or input from others.
The idiom "in the works" means that something is being planned or developed, but it is not yet complete or finalized.
The idiom "in the wind" means to feel or sense that something is about to happen or change, often referring to a situation that is not yet fully known or understood.
The idiom "in the final analysis" means that something is being considered or judged after all the facts or information have been examined and taken into account.
The idiom "in the dock" means to be on trial or facing judgment in a court of law. It is commonly used to describe someone who is accused of a crime or wrongdoing and has to defend themselves in a legal setting.
The idiom "I'd say" is used to express an opinion or estimate based on one's judgment or perception, often without definitive or factual evidence. It signifies a personal assessment or guess about a situation or statement.
The idiom "I don't know about that" is used to express doubt or skepticism towards a statement or proposition. It implies that the speaker does not have enough information or disagrees with the statement in question.
The idiom "hang out to dry" means to leave someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation without support or assistance.
Undecided: Unveiling the Mystique
The idiom "jury is out" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It has its origins in the legal system and has been in use for several decades. The phrase is often used to express uncertainty or indecision about a particular issue or topic. It conveys the idea that a judgment or verdict has not been reached, and therefore the matter is still open for discussion or further consideration.
The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the practice of juries in the legal system. A jury is a group of individuals who are selected to hear a case and make a decision based on the evidence presented. In a trial, the jury is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused. During the deliberation process, the jury discusses the evidence and arguments presented, weighing the pros and cons before reaching a verdict.
When the phrase "jury is out" is used, it implies that the decision or outcome is yet to be determined. It suggests that there is still a possibility for different opinions or viewpoints to emerge. The use of this idiom in everyday conversations reflects the influence of the legal system on the English language.
The idiom "jury is out" can be related to the idiom "as yet." Both phrases convey the idea of something not yet known or decided. By saying "the jury is out" or "as yet," we acknowledge that there is still uncertainty and that more information or evidence is needed before a final judgment or decision can be made.
In a broader sense, the idiom "jury is out" can also be applied to situations outside of the legal context. It is often used to express uncertainties or debates about various topics, not limited to legal matters. For example, it can be used to discuss the potential success or failure of a new product or idea, or the unknown outcome of a political decision or social issue. In such cases, the phrase "jury is out" highlights the fact that there are still opinions and arguments to be considered and that the final outcome is not yet determined.
The use of the idiom "jury is out" can also be related to the idiom "in the dock." When someone or something is "in the dock," it means they are being held accountable or subject to criticism or judgment. The idiom "jury is out" reinforces the idea that the judgment or verdict on a particular issue is still pending and that the person or thing in question is still awaiting a final decision.
Despite its widespread usage, the idiom "jury is out" does not have a specific etymology that can be traced to a particular event or historical context. It has become a part of the English language through the collective usage and understanding of its meaning. Over time, the idiom has evolved and adapted to fit different situations and contexts, further cementing its place in the vernacular.
Another idiom that can be related to "jury is out" is "anyone's guess." This phrase is used to express uncertainty about a particular outcome or result. By saying "it's anyone's guess" or "the jury is out," we acknowledge that there are multiple possibilities or opinions and that it is difficult to predict the final outcome. Both phrases emphasize the unpredictable and open-ended nature of certain situations.
The idiom "jury is out" encapsulates the uncertainty and open-ended nature of certain situations. It acknowledges that definitive answers or judgments are yet to be determined, leaving room for further discussion and exploration. This idiom serves as a reminder that while some matters may appear clear-cut, there is always the possibility for new information or perspectives to emerge, altering the final verdict. Therefore, the phrase "jury is out" carries both a sense of closure and a lingering curiosity, reflecting the complexity of human decision-making and the ever-changing nature of knowledge and understanding.
Example usage
The idiom "the jury is out" can be used in various sentences to convey the idea that a decision or conclusion has not yet been reached or that there is still doubt or uncertainty. Here are three examples:
- After presenting all the evidence, the prosecutor concluded by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, the jury is out, and it's now up to you to decide the defendant's fate."
- Some people believe that climate change is a pressing issue, while others are skeptical. The jury is out on whether immediate action is necessary.
- The company introduced a new product to the market, but its success is uncertain. The jury is still out on whether it will be embraced by consumers.
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