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unknown quantity
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
Reform are still a relatively unknown quantity in Scotland, and their swift rise to prominence is a factor that could make that election fairly unpredictable.
The firm added the crash had caused "multiple explosions" on board and an unknown quantity of jet fuel to be released.
In the age of social media and endless football coverage, it is not often a player arrives at a club as a relatively unknown quantity.
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.
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