phrase🎓 English idiom

up in the air

uncertain or undecided

What it means

Uncertain, unsettled, or not yet decided. It describes plans or situations that are still open and could change, with no firm conclusion reached.

Examples

  • Our holiday plans are still up in the air because of his work.
  • The merger remains up in the air until the board votes.
  • Where we'll live next year is completely up in the air.
  • The date for the wedding is up in the air for now.

Where it comes from

The image is of something floating or suspended in the air, not yet settled or brought down to a firm position. The figurative use became common in the early 20th century.

Related idioms

#on the fence#the ball is in your court#play it by ear#out of the blue

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