up in the air

Are you using the idiom up in the air but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the up in the air idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "up in the air"

Meaning

The idiom “up in the air” is used to describe a situation that is uncertain or undecided, typically with regards to a plan or schedule. It is used to indicate that a plan or decision is uncertain and has not been finalized.

Etymology

It is believed that the phrase “up in the air” originated in the early twentieth century, though there is no certain record of its precise origin. One possible explanation of its roots is that the phrase was first used to describe a situation in which something is physically in the sky, as in a plane or a kite, and therefore out of reach or uncertain.

Usage

The phrase “up in the air” is commonly used in everyday speech and typically implies a temporary situation. It is usually used to describe a situation that is subject to change or is likely to be resolved soon. It also implies a situation that is dependent on other, often unforeseen, factors. The phrase is used to refer to plans or decisions that are not certain, and that may not yet have been finalized.

Example Sentences

• We don’t have any plans for the weekend yet - it’s all still up in the air.
• The fate of the project is still up in the air - we’re not sure if it will be approved or not.
• The party is up in the air - we’re not sure if we’re going to have it or not.
• The future of the team is still up in the air - it’s not clear whether they’ll stay in the league or not.
• The election results are still up in the air - we won’t know the outcome until later in the day.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.