rightly

(I) can't rightly say

I don't know with certainty. A: "How many people are coming to dinner tonight?" B: "I can't rightly say—my family tends to just show up without responding to invitations."
See also: rightly, say

I don't rightly know

I'm unsure about something; I don't have a response or suggestion right now. I don't rightly know what they're doing here—I didn't invite them, I swear! I don't rightly know what he was thinking when he made such a ridiculous statement.
See also: know, rightly
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(I) can't rightly say.

Rur. I do not know with any certainty. Fred: When do you think we'll get there? Bill: Can't rightly say. Bob: Okay, how does this look to you? Bill: I can't rightly say. I've never seen anything like it before.
See also: rightly, say

I don't rightly know.

Rur. I do not know. Tom: When will Joe be getting back? Charlie: I don't rightly know. Jane: What's the difference between a first cousin and a first cousin once removed? Mary: I don't rightly know.
See also: know, rightly
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I) can't rightly say
  • can't rightly say
  • can't say for sure
  • (I) can't say for sure
  • for certain
  • for sure
  • (I) can't say as I do(, can't say as I don't)
  • can't say as I do
  • (I) can't say as I do
  • (I) can't say's I do
References in periodicals archive
In the policy sections that close the book, he decries the frivolous pseudo-solutions now peddled by both parties, and rightly argues that until we solve our long-term entitlement problems, we'll never free up the resources to address new public needs.
Soft ground is crucial for Fine Rightly. And, in the belief conditions will be suitable, Andrew Lynch's mount gets a confident vote to see off Toon River, which bounced back to winning form when beating Noble Emperor and Toushan in a handicap chase at Gowran recently, and progressive Pairofbrowneyes.
I have known Norman Close for many a moon and can echo every word of praise from Graeme Rutherford and the Tyne, Tees and Wear Association who rightly have recognised his unbelievable contribution.
The willpower she has demonstrated in sticking to her task is huge and she has quite rightly been nominated as a contender in the finals of a national slimming competition.
"But that is no reason to lower their sights on service quality people rightly value."
Second, it's been rightly stressed that, if people are prepared to fight for this country, then they and their families and descendants, it follows, have earned the right to live here.
Mr Price rightly draws attention to the fact that the "London" media, which includes the BBC, has little interest in covering Welsh political issues on a UK-wide basis.
RICKY HATTON'S magnificent performance on Saturday night has, guite rightly, dominated boxing this week.
Originally, separation meant that no secular prince can rightly usurp an ecclesiastical office.
Albert Einstein is rightly admired as one of history's great mathematical and scientific minds.
judge denied Phillips a legal name change two years ago on the grounds that the name could incite a "violent reaction" or "significantly offend people." (And rightly so: Can you imagine the guilt of getting into a car accident with Jesus Christ?
As your early news article rightly stated, commercial syndicates are not illegal under UK law nor contrary to the rules governing the National Lottery.
"Ultimately, the case for some government intervention and regulation in health care is compelling on the grounds of efficiency (because costs are out of control) and moral justice (because our societies rightly take a more egalitarian view of health than of material possessions)," he asserts.
I work for an architectural practice that has carried out similar work, if not in a more simplistic form, and while I quite rightly have never had any input into design, I always remind our architects to ensure walls are painted a suitable colour, and that lighting is positioned to allow for good vision.
That explosion, which Segal rightly calls a revelation, looks different in different circles, and is symbolized as such.