it remains to be seen

it remains to be seen

Something is not yet clear, certain, or known. We can see for ourselves the disaster's immediate impact, but it remains to be seen what the long-term environmental effects will be. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the president's popularity on other issues will carry over into this more controversial endeavor.
See also: remains, seen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

it remains to be seen

COMMON If you say it remains to be seen, you mean that nobody knows what will happen or whether something will happen. It still remains to be seen what kind of after-effects she will suffer in the future. It remains to be seen whether her parliamentary colleagues will agree.
See also: remains, seen
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

it remains to be seen

something is not yet known or certain.
1996 Scientific American It remains to be seen how well Russian and U.S. spacefarers will work together…in the more demanding environment of a space station under construction.
See also: remains, seen
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • remains
  • remain to be seen
  • goldmine
  • be sitting on a gold mine
  • commit
  • commit (oneself or something) for (something)
  • commit for
  • give place to
  • give place to somebody/something
  • snotnose
References in periodicals archive
As nanotechnology develops, it remains to be seen if insurers will have to devise new coverage plans or just adapt existing ones to the new products and processes.
It remains to be seen whether the President's ideological position on whether HIV causes AIDS is in fact not at the root of the government's position.
It remains to be seen whether that is a challenge paper companies are willing to embrace.
As we go to press, some Democrats seem to be catching on to what's happening, but it remains to be seen whether or when the press and the public will wake up.