- Means that plans, decisions, or situations are uncertain, not yet finalized, or still undecided.
- Things are unsettled, like objects tossed in the air before they land.
Explanation
Origin
- Literal imagery of something being tossed or hanging in the air, not yet settled on the ground.
- Used metaphorically since at least the mid-18th century to describe states of uncertainty or suspense.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Who knows? / God knows (Expressing complete uncertainty)
- It's anyone's guess.
- Still figuring shit out (Crude, emphasizing the process of deciding)
- On ice (Temporarily postponed, implies uncertainty about restarting)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Everything's all fucked up (Expressing frustration with the lack of clarity)
- No fucking clue (About the outcome)
Milder/More Formal:
- Yet to be finalized
- Remains uncertain
- Under consideration
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, informal to formal.
- It's a common and neutral way to express uncertainty.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward, but ensure learners understand it refers to abstract plans/decisions, not physical objects literally in the air.
Examples
- Our vacation plans are still up in the air; we haven't decided where to go yet.
- The outcome of the election is up in the air until all the votes are counted.
- Whether the company will approve the budget increase is still up in the air.
Dialogue
Alice: Hey, are you coming to the party on Saturday?
Bob: I'm not sure yet, my weekend plans are kind of up in the air. My sister might be visiting.
Alice: Oh, okay. Well, let me know if you can make it!
Bob: Will do!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Job interview went well, but the final decision is still up in the air. Fingers crossed! 🤞 #JobSearch
- Status Update: Summer travel plans are totally up in the air thanks to changing restrictions. Anyone else dealing with this?
- Comment: Is the meeting still on for Tuesday? Everything seems up in the air.
Response Patterns
- Expressing hope for resolution: I hope you figure it out soon., Let me know when you decide.
- Sharing related uncertainty: Yeah, our plans are uncertain too.
- Asking for details: Why is it still undecided?, What are the options?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing something is up in the air:
- Asking about the factors causing the uncertainty.
- Asking about the possible outcomes or timeline for a decision.
- Offering help or suggestions if appropriate.
- Expressing understanding or patience.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually used in response to a question about plans or the status of a situation.
Intonation
- Usually said matter-of-factly, sometimes with a hint of frustration or suspense.
- Stress on up and air. It's still UP in the AIR.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common idiom in all major English-speaking regions.