The English Grammar Idiom Your Guess is as good as mine means when the speaker has no knowledge or information about a particular question a speaker and listener are speaking about. This idiom does not provide a definite answer and is very uncertain.
It is generally used in the replacement when the speaker is not willing to admit that he/she has no idea about the particular topic. There is no certain time identified as the origin of “your guess is good as mine’. However, the latest record of its usage is in 1939 from a novel by Irene Baird.
Also Read: Idioms For IELTS
Usage With Examples
“Your guess is as good as mine” is an idiom that can be used in different contexts like casual as well as professional contexts. There are many examples of using it, like: “When will the movie start? And the answer is I am not sure. Your Guess is as good as mine”.
In this context, it is a casual setting when two friends are going to a movie and one person asks this question and the other uncertain of the time, replies in a particular manner. Similarly, it can be used in certain professional setups.
Some other examples are:
- When will the package get delivered?
I am uncertain. Your guess is as good as mine.
- What will be the outcome of that problem?
Maybe something very worse. Your guess is good as mine.
Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Other than using “ your guess is as good as mine”, there are some synonyms and related phrases used in sentences. However, some of these are:
I’m in the dark | Search me |
I have no idea | Damned if I know |
Who knows? | I’m clueless |
I’m as lost as you are | I’m stumped |
Beats me | Couldn’t tell you |
Your Guess is As Good as Mine Meaning Quiz
Instruction: Choose the suitable answer from the below options given:
1. What does the idiom “Your guess is as good as mine” mean?
a) We have the same idea
b) We are equal in knowledge
c) We have the same thing in mind
d) I have no idea, I don’t know the answer
2. When would you typically use this idiom?
a) When you are certain of the answer
b) When you are guessing the answer
c) When you don’t know the answer
d) When you are making a wild guess
3. Which of these is a good synonym for the idiom?
a) I can’t say for sure
b) I have a clue
c) I know the answer
d) I’m positive about it
4. Which of these is an example sentence using the idiom correctly?
a) When will the package arrive? Your guess is as good as mine.
b) I know the answer, but I won’t tell you.
c) Let’s make a guess and see if we’re right.
d) I’m certain it will happen tomorrow.
5. What is the origin of this idiom?
a) It originated in the 1800s
b) It was first used in a novel in 1939
c) It has been around for centuries
d) No one knows the exact origin
6. Which of these is not a related phrase to “Your guess is as good as mine”?
a) We’re both in the dark
b) Who knows?
c) I have a clue
d) I have no idea
7. True or false: This idiom can only be used in casual conversation.
a) True
b) False
8. Which of these is an incorrect usage of the idiom?
a) I don’t know the answer to that question. Your guess is as good as mine.
b) We both have the same guess, so your guess is as good as mine.
c) I’m not sure what the weather will be like tomorrow. Your guess is as good as mine.
d) I know the answer, but I won’t tell you. Your guess is as good as mine.
9. What part of speech is “guess” in this idiom?
a) Noun
b) Verb
c) Adjective
d) Adverb
10. Which of these is a good way to rephrase the idiom?
a) I have no clue
b) I can imagine
c) I’m certain about it
d) I have a good guess
Answers
Answer 1: d) I have no idea, I don’t know the answer
Answer 2: c) When you don’t know the answer
Answer 3: a) I can’t say for sure
Answer 4: a) When will the package arrive? Your guess is as good as mine.
Answer 5: b) It was first used in a novel in 1939
Answer 6: c) I have a clue
Answer 7: b) False
Answer 8: d) I know the answer, but I won’t tell you. Your guess is as good as mine.
Answer 9: a) Noun
Answer 10: a) I have no clue
Also Read: List of Idioms and Phrases for IELTS
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