We shall see what we shall see.
This proverb means that the outcome of a situation is uncertain and cannot be predicted. It suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance that we can only wait and observe the future to understand how things will unfold, carrying a formal tone that implies both uncertainty and a willingness to let events take their course without immediate judgment or commitment. The phrase is used to convey that the future is unknown and will reveal its outcomes in due time.
The use of "shall" lends a formal and elevated quality to the phrase, making it suitable for official or serious contexts. It can also be used with a hint of doubt to show a lack of conviction about a particular outcome, as in, "They say it will be great, but we shall see". It signifies a patient approach, indicating a readiness to wait and see the results before forming conclusions or taking action.
If someone asks about a potential future development, a response like, "Well, we shall see," implies a lack of definitive knowledge and an openness to observation. The speaker is open to seeing what happens but isn't making any predictions or decisions yet.
In other words, don't try to predict the future, but wait until it comes to you.