who can say? | who knows?

This page is about the conversational phrase who can say? | who knows?

Meaning

You can say this if no-one knows the answer to a question, esp. one about the future.

For example

  • "Do you think oil prices will go up?"
    "Who can say? It depends on many factors?"

  • "How long will the storm last?"
    "Who knows? It could be five minutes or it could be an hour."

Note:
Also "who can tell?"

Quick Quiz

You can say "Who can say?" or "Who knows?" after which question?

a. "What did he tell you?"

b. "Did he tell the truth?"

c. "Do you believe him?"
a) "What did he tell you?" b) "Did he tell the truth?" c) "Do you believe him?"

Contributor: Matt Errey