What does the idiom "an unknown quantity" mean?

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase an unknown quantity, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression an unknown quantity used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "an unknown quantity"

Meaning

The phrase “an unknown quantity” is used to describe a person or thing whose characteristics, abilities, or value cannot be accurately determined or predicted. This phrase often carries the implication that the person or thing in question is an unknown risk, and that their involvement in a situation may be likely to bring uncertain or difficult outcomes. This phrase can also refer to an unpredictable or indefinite event.

Etymology

The phrase “an unknown quantity” originated in the early 19th century with the use of the phrase in mathematics. In mathematics, an unknown quantity is a value or quantity whose existence or value is not known at the time of calculation, typically represented by a letter or symbol. This concept is used in algebraic equations and in other situations where a variable needs to be evaluated before its result can be determined.

Usage

This phrase is typically used to refer to a person or thing whose characteristics, abilities, or value cannot be accurately determined or predicted. It may also be used to describe an unpredictable event or outcome. This phrase can also refer to a situation where there is a lack of knowledge or information.

Example Sentences

  • He is an unknown quantity, so we don't know how he will react in this situation.
  • The outcome of this election is an unknown quantity; no one can predict who will win.
  • Investing in a start-up company is always an unknown quantity, so it's best to proceed with caution.
  • He's a wild card, an unknown quantity that you can never predict.

The meanings of the words in the "an unknown quantity" idiom

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.

NO COMMENT

No comment has been written about an unknown quantity yet, you can write the first comment and share your thoughts with our other visitors.
Leave a Reply