A representation that an investment will be for 'the long term', though imprecise, may be sufficiently certain to found an equitable estoppel when construed in context, including by reference to the business plan, reinvestment policy, lease terms, and surrounding circumstances. The standard of certainty for representations in estoppel is more liberal than Lord Denning MR's statement in Woodhouse suggests when read in isolation; equity will construe representations robustly in context to prevent unconscionability. Ambiguity generated by the representor should not defeat the estoppel. The Ebrahimi quasi-partnership principles are inapposite where dissolution of the association is not sought.
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