question mark

question mark

An unknown or uncertainty. The question mark is the grammatical symbol used to punctuate interrogative sentences (i.e. questions). I don't know why the experiment turned out this way—it's a real question mark right now. Injuries have left the team with a big question mark at the position of quarterback.
See also: mark, question
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a question mark

COMMON
1. If there is a question mark over something, people do not know if it will continue to exist or what it will be like. There is a question mark over the future of old people's care as a result of the government cuts. Note: You can also say that there is a question mark hanging over something. There is a question mark hanging over the England manager's job. Note: Question mark is used in many other structures with a similar meaning. There's going to be a question mark about future US aid.
2. If there is a question mark over something, people are not sure if its quality is good. There is a question mark over the vehicle's long-term reliability. Note: You can also say that there is a question mark hanging over something. I am very pleased they have been acquitted. However it leaves a big question mark hanging over the original trial. Note: Question mark is used in many other structures with a similar meaning. There will be a question mark on his record that might stop him being promoted in the future.
See also: mark, question
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a question mark
  • punctuate
  • punctuate (something) with (something)
  • punctuate with
  • wocka wocka
  • guinea
  • guinea pig
  • a guinea pig
  • (as) wise as an owl
  • owl
References in periodicals archive
Now, though, they're storing the latest batch of George Wyllie's question marks.
ART TURNS TIDE; Clyde installation making its mark
But a question like 'You're going away?' needs the question mark to be understood; and in Syriac, zawga elaya marks just these otherwise ambiguous expressions.
Syriac double dot: identified as world's earliest question mark
Mike Ryder, from Reddington Finance, which owns the Cammell Laird site, said: "The question mark will be at the front of the construction hall.
Biennial showpiece will pose big question to city; Plan is great because 'it will really get under people's skin
"And there's got to be a question mark over KP's ability right now - not over his ability, just mentally, how he slots back into the set-up.
Oz conqueror Arthur backs Aussies to win Ashes
He added: "On this occasion, I really regret I did not add a question mark to my diagnosis."
Insulin could have saved girl
WAYNE ROONEY will still have major question marks to answer at the Euros over the coming weeks because of his fitness.
ROO 'HAS TO PROVE FITNESS'
"Pietersen is still a big question mark at the moment, Alastair Cook is only just holding on to his spot by the skin of his teeth, [Paul] Collingwood's probably not had the best Test summer of his life either," he said.
Ponting raises 'big question mark' on Pietersen's form ahead of Ashes
LAHORE, June 01, 2010 (Balochistan Times): Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab Raja Riaz has pointed out that firing incident inside Jinnah Hospital was result of security lapse adding that arrival of terrorists to Jinnah Hospital to free their injured companion has put question mark on security arrangements in the city.
Attack of terrorists in Jinnah Hospital result of security lapse: Raja Riaz
The first question mark is the contour of the initial incision.
Controversial surgery benefits epileptics
That suggests he's either on the wane or on the p*ss and that there is a huge question mark over his status as a French Open front-runner.
DJOK CAN FLEX HIS MUSCLES... RESULT! with sports betting's top tipster DEREK McGOVERN E-MAIL ME AT: betsguru@aol.com, ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JOHN SHAW
Lahore, June 01, 2010 (Frontier Star): Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab Raja Riaz has pointed out that firing incident inside Jinnah Hospital was result of security lapse adding that arrival of terrorists to Jinnah Hospital to free their injured companion has put question mark on security arrangements in the city.
Attack of terrorists in Jinnah Hospital result of security lapse: Raja Riaz
In studies of earthquake hazards, a giant question mark looms over eastern North America.
Eastern quakes recycle old faults
This step had raised a question mark on the status of parliament, they added.
Parliament by passed over KLB by the rulers : PML-N, PML-Q
A search will be made for another asteroid that meets the mission's Jupiter-related trajectory criteria, says Casani, but like so much else in NASAhs future, its status for the present is a question mark.
Challenger effects: Galileo options
"There is no question mark over Ross's future, he is in the best moment of his time and is everything we want a player to represent at Everton.
ROSS PRICELESS TO EVERTON