Unsettled Matters: The Ever-Pending ‘Open Question’
The term “open question” refers to an issue that has not been finally settled or determined. Its use as an adjective dates back to the early nineteenth century and has found specific significance in the British Parliament. On open questions, members may vote according to their personal beliefs, independent of party lines.
The figurative usage you often encounter today was already familiar in David Masson’s time. He wrote in “The Life of John Milton” (1859), “The summary decision of what had hitherto been an open question in the Church.” This illustrates perfectly how an open question can remain undecided until a decisive moment occurs, shifting the status forever.
Let’s break down some related terms, phrases, idioms, and inject a bit of humor:
Related Terms and Synonyms:
- Unresolved issue
- Debatable topic
- Unsure matter
- Unsettled question
- Undecided case
- Pending matter
Antonyms:
- Resolved issue
- Settled matter
- Undisputed fact
Similar Idioms and Phrases:
- Hanging in the balance: This means that the outcome is not yet decided. The phrase hails from weighing scales, where an item on the balance could tip either way.
- Up in the air: Everything is still undecided or uncertain. Picture airborne confetti that hasn’t landed yet—chaotic and unpredictable.
- The jury is still out: Although not referring to a literal jury, the phrase means that no verdict or conclusion has been made.
Fictional and Fun Examples:
- “I’ve left the question of holiday destinations as an ‘open question.’ Paris, Rome, or Planet Zog? Vote now, friends!”
- “Our eternal family debate remains an open question: pineapple on pizza, acceptable or pure audacity?”
Inspiration:
“To assume something is settled before it is truly conclusive is to ignore the beauty of discovery,” said no one particular, but wouldn’t it be marvelous if they had?
Recommended Reads and Views
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Books:
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – for dilemmas around justice.
- “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville – hunting for the never quite settled question of vengeance and purpose.
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Movies:
- “12 Angry Men” – the classic film that revolves around an unresolved court case and leaves the outcome delightfully unpredictable.
- “Inception” – the spinning top force you to reconsider what’s definite.
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Songs:
- “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash – sometimes questions are better left open.
- “Que Sera, Sera” by Doris Day – whatever will be, will be—an anthem for open questions.
Quizzes on Clichés and Unsettled Matters:
Inspirational Farewell Thought: Keep life’s questions open whenever possible. The beauty lines not in the definitive answers but the rich exploration of possibilities. Keep wondering, keep questioning, and enjoy the endless dance of potentialities.
Penelope Ponderalot, signing off with a flourish!
