- Means I don't know either.
- Indicates that the speaker has no more information or insight into the answer or outcome than the person asking.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase implies parity in ignorance.
- My ability to guess the answer ('my guess') is no better than yours ('your guess'), so asking me is pointless – we are equally uninformed.
- Became common around the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Dunno
- Beats me
- Search me
- Haven't got a clue / Not a clue
- Fuck knows (Vulgar) / Damned if I know
- How should I know? (Can be slightly rude/defensive)
More Formal:
- I'm afraid I don't know.
- I don't have that information.
- I am uncertain.
- That is unclear at this time.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most situations, both informal and formal, as a common and generally polite way to express ignorance.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. Ensure learners understand it's a fixed phrase meaning I don't know and not actually inviting the listener to provide their best guess as the definitive answer.
Examples
- When will the train arrive? Your guess is as good as mine; the board just says 'delayed'.
- Do you think it will rain tomorrow? Your guess is as good as mine. The forecast keeps changing.
- What caused the power outage? Your guess is as good as mine.
Dialogue
Employee 1: Any idea why the internet is down?
Employee 2: Your guess is as good as mine. I tried restarting my computer, but nothing.
Employee 1: Okay, I'll call IT support then.
Social Media Examples
- User asks: When is the new game patch coming out? Dev replies: Honestly, your guess is as good as mine right now. Working hard on it! #GameDev #Updates
- Trying to predict stock market moves? Your guess is as good as mine. 🤷♂️ #Investing #MarketVolatility
Response Patterns
- Acceptance of shared ignorance: Okay, fair enough., Right, well, we'll see then., Hmm, annoying.
- Suggesting next steps: Maybe we should check the website?, Shall we just wait?
- Shared speculation: Well, I guess it could be...
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
Since it establishes that the speaker doesn't know, logical follow-ups involve:
- Suggesting ways to find the answer (Let's ask someone else., Maybe check online?).
- Accepting the uncertainty (Okay, we'll just have to wait and see.).
- Ending that line of inquiry (Alright then.).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's always a response to a question where the answer is unknown.
Intonation
- Usually said with a slightly resigned or helpless tone, often accompanied by a shrug.
- Relatively flat intonation, maybe slight stress on your and mine to highlight the comparison.
- YOUR guess is as good as MINE.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.