PhrasesHub

The jury is still out

    Definitions

      • uncertainty
        Indicates that a decision or conclusion has not yet been reached, and that there is still debate or discussion about the issue

      • withhold judgment
        Suggests that it's too early to form an opinion or make a decision, and that more time or information is needed

    Examples of The jury is still out

    • The effectiveness of the new diet trend is still up for debate. Some people swear by it, while others dismiss it as a fad. The jury is still out on whether it's truly a healthy and sustainable way of eating.

      The phrase "the jury is still out" is used to indicate that there is no clear consensus or decision regarding a particular matter. In this example, the effectiveness of the new diet trend is being compared to a legal case where a jury has not yet reached a verdict. It suggests that more information and evidence is needed before a definitive answer can be given.

    • Despite numerous studies and experiments, the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating certain medical conditions is still a subject of controversy among healthcare professionals. The jury is still out on whether acupuncture is a reliable and effective therapy.

      This idiom is used to indicate that there is no clear consensus or decision regarding a particular issue. In this example, the use of "jury" is figurative, as the "jury" is not a legal jury but a group of experts or professionals who are evaluating the evidence or facts to arrive at a verdict. The phrase "still out" implies that the decision or verdict has not been reached yet. In other words, the effectiveness of acupuncture as a medical therapy is yet to be fully established.

    • The effectiveness of virtual learning is still uncertain, as the jury is still out on whether it can fully replace traditional classroom instruction.

      This idiom is used to express uncertainty or indecisiveness about a particular topic or issue. In this example, "the jury" refers to experts or authorities in the field of education who have not yet reached a consensus about the effectiveness of virtual learning. The phrase "still out" is used to emphasize that the decision or verdict has not yet been made. Overall, this idiom suggests that more information or evidence is needed before a definite conclusion can be drawn.


    Conclusion

    "The jury is still out" is often used to express uncertainty or to withhold judgment about a particular issue. It can be used when discussing a variety of topics, from the outcome of a sports game to the effectiveness of a new policy. The phrase implies that a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached, and that further deliberation or evidence is required before a decision can be made.

    Origin of "The jury is still out"

    The origin of the idiom "the jury is still out" can be traced back to the legal system. In a court of law, a jury is responsible for reaching a verdict based on the evidence presented during a trial. After the evidence has been presented, the jury deliberates to reach a decision. During this time, the jury is said to be "out," meaning they are not yet ready to deliver a verdict.

    Over time, the phrase has been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of uncertainty or the need for further consideration. It is often used in discussions to indicate that a definitive conclusion has not been reached and that more time or information is necessary before a decision can be made. For example, if a group of friends is debating whether a new restaurant is worth trying, one might say, "The jury is still out on that place," to suggest that more reviews or experiences are needed before forming an opinion.