Idiom Topics

  • The Ubiquitous Essentials

    10
    • On the other hand
    • At the end of the day
    • In the long run
    • Bear in mind
    • A piece of cake
    • Keep an eye on
    • Out of the blue
    • Rule of thumb
    • So far, so good
    • Behind the scenes

  • Everyday Casual & Workplace

    10
    • Under the weather
    • Call it a day
    • Up in the air
    • Wrap your head around
    • Break the ice
    • Get out of hand
    • Go the extra mile
    • Touch base
    • Hit the nail on the head
    • Cut corners

  • Problem Solving & Interaction

    10
    • See eye to eye
    • Read between the lines
    • Take it with a grain of salt
    • Get the hang of it
    • Give the benefit of the doubt
    • The elephant in the room
    • Hit the ground running
    • Play it by ear
    • Bite the bullet
    • Sit on the fence

  • Decisions & Perspectives

    9
    • Jump on the bandwagon
    • Cross that bridge when we come to it
    • The best of both worlds
    • A blessing in disguise
    • Once in a blue moon
    • Pull someone's leg
    • Miss the boat
    • Better late than never
    • Get your act together

  • Colorful & Traditional

    10
    • Spill the beans
    • Let the cat out of the bag
    • Bite off more than you can chew
    • Go back to the drawing board
    • Barking up the wrong tree
    • Actions speak louder than words
    • A penny for your thoughts
    • Break a leg
    • Hit the sack
    • Beat around the bush

  • Academic & Formal Discourse

    10
    • Bear fruit
    • Pave the way
    • Shed light on
    • Go hand in hand
    • Tip the scales
    • Fly in the face of
    • Bring to the table
    • Turn a blind eye
    • Draw a blank
    • State of the art

  • Emotions & Reactions

    10
    • Over the moon
    • Down in the dumps
    • On edge
    • Blow off steam
    • Keep your cool
    • Drive someone up the wall
    • On cloud nine
    • A weight off my shoulders
    • At your wits' end
    • Thrilled to bits

  • Effort, Success, & Failure

    10
    • Start from scratch
    • Pass with flying colors
    • Fall flat
    • Go down the drain
    • Keep your head above water
    • Pay off
    • Throw in the towel
    • Make headway
    • Uphill battle
    • Back to square one

  • Time, Speed, & Urgency

    10
    • Beat the clock
    • At the eleventh hour
    • Around the clock
    • In the nick of time
    • Drag your feet
    • Time flies
    • Make up for lost time
    • Call time on
    • Ahead of the curve
    • On the spur of the moment

  • Resources, Money, & Value

    10
    • Make ends meet
    • Foot the bill
    • Break the bank
    • Tighten your belt
    • Bang for your buck
    • A drop in the ocean
    • Make a killing
    • On a shoestring budget
    • Worth your weight in gold
    • Pay top dollar

Up in the air

Learn the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom "Up in the air" with five example sentences across different contexts. This idiom is part of ourEveryday Casual & Workplace collection for PTE and IELTS preparation.

Everyday Casual & Workplace

Up in the air

Up in the air
Uncertain, undecided, or unresolved; a situation where plans or decisions have not been finalized.
History & Origin

The idiom stems from the literal concept of tossing objects into the air, during which their final landing place or outcome remains entirely unpredictable until they ground. It gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, drawing a strong mental parallel to a coin toss or juggling where nothing is settled while the items remain suspended. Over time, it transitioned from describing physical objects in motion to abstract plans and schedules that lack a firm foundation.

Examples
Workplace Email

Regarding our expansion timeline, the launch date is still up in the air because we are waiting on the final budget approval from the board.

Casual Conversation

I want to go on vacation next month, but my travel plans are up in the air until I find out if my leave request gets approved.

Academic Writing

While the immediate ecological impacts of the policy are clear, its long-term economic consequences remain largely up in the air.

News/Media

With two key players facing sudden injuries just days before the finals, the championship outcome is completely up in the air.

Formal Speech

Until the treaty is officially signed by both nations, the future of international trade regulations in this region hangs up in the air.

Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses the idiom correctly?

A. The price of groceries has been up in the air all year, forcing families to spend significantly more money each week.

B. Because the main investor pulled out at the last minute, our funding is up in the air and the project might be canceled.

C. She was so angry during the argument that she stood up in the air and started shouting at her colleagues.

D. If you want to clear your mind and relax, you should go up in the air for a long walk in the nature reserve.