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Region: General | Usage example: No crystal ball can forecast the economy perfectly.

Crystal ball

Meaning

A metaphor for predicting the future.

Usage

Used when referring to uncertain outcomes.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Fortune tellers using crystal balls.

Used since the Middle Ages in divination contexts.

Related Idioms

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Keep your eye on the ball

Stay focused on the goal.

Drop the ball

Fail to do something expected.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.