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the jury is still out

no decision or conclusion has been reached

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

(idiom) a decision has not been made yet; the result or truth is still uncertain and has not been finally determined

Examples

• The jury is still out on whether that new treatment actually works.

How to use the jury is still out

This idiom is used when discussing uncertain or undecided matters, often in contexts where evidence, opinion, or results have not yet determined a clear answer. It suggests a situation remains unresolved and time or further information may be needed. The phrase is relatively neutral and common in both speech and writing, though slightly more informal than 'a final decision has not been made.'

Register: informal

Common phrases

• the jury is still out on whether
• the jury is still out on X
• the jury remains out
• whether the jury is out
• as the jury is still out

Synonyms

it remains to be seen · the verdict is still pending · no conclusion has been reached · it's still unclear · the question remains open

Opposites

the decision is final · it's settled · the verdict is in

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'the jury is out' (dropping 'still'), which is less common in modern English and may sound incomplete; the full phrase 'the jury is still out' is strongly preferred.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

a U-turn, a war of words, ruffle feathers, fly under the radar, blindsided, a vote of no confidence

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained