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unknown quantity
Idioms and Phrases
An unpredictable person or thing, as in We don't know how the new pitcher will do—he's an unknown quantity . This expression comes from algebra, where it signifies an unknown numerical value. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1800s.Example Sentences
But when he quit, that number jumped to 9%, reflecting the fact that Harris was an unknown quantity to many Americans.
While most analysts believe Beijing does not have a favourite in this race for the White House, many would agree that Kamala Harris is an unknown quantity to Chinese people and the country’s leaders.
Newcastle are still a bit of an unknown quantity for me because I can't say I've been particularly impressed by them so far.
Kamala Harris was an unknown quantity to leaders here and she still is, even after the debate.
They will be an unknown quantity with very little Premier League experience in their squad, and an exciting up-and-coming manager in McKenna.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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