Under the weather

[1189] Up in the air

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Undecided, uncertain, or unresolved.
  • Refers to plans, situations, or decisions that have not yet been finalized or settled.

Origin

  • Evokes the image of something tossed into the air, where its final destination or outcome is not yet known.
  • It hangs there, unresolved.
  • The figurative use dates back to at least the mid-18th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Undecided / Unsettled / Unresolved
  • Uncertain / Unsure
  • Pending
  • TBD (To Be Determined/Decided)
  • Hanging in the balance (often implies higher stakes)
  • On the fence (usually about a choice between specific options)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Still figuring it out
  • Haven't nailed it down yet / Haven't locked it in
  • It's all a bit TBC (To Be Confirmed)

More Formal:

  • Yet to be determined / finalized
  • Subject to confirmation / review
  • The matter remains unresolved

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate for both informal and most formal/business contexts to describe uncertainty.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners might take it literally (something physically floating).
  • Clarify it refers metaphorically to the status of plans, decisions, or situations.

Examples

  • Our holiday plans are still up in the air; we haven't booked anything yet.
  • The future of the company is up in the air until the merger is complete.
  • Whether the event will happen is up in the air due to the bad weather forecast.

Dialogue

Friend 1: Have you decided which university you're going to?

Friend 2: Not yet, it's still up in the air. I'm waiting to hear back about scholarships.

Friend 1: Ah, okay. Fingers crossed for you!

Social Media Examples

  • Summer internship plans are still totally up in the air. Anyone else in the same boat? #StudentLife #Uncertainty
  • The date for the product launch is a bit up in the air as we finalize testing. Stay tuned for updates! #Tech #ComingSoon

Response Patterns

  • Acknowledging uncertainty: Oh, okay., I see.
  • Asking for more information: Any idea when you might know?, What does it depend on?
  • Expressing hope: Hopefully, it gets sorted out soon., Let me know when things are settled.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing something is up in the air:

  • Ask about the cause of uncertainty: Why is that?
  • Inquire about the timeline: When do you expect a decision?
  • Ask about the possibilities: What are the options being considered?
  • Offer to wait for confirmation: Okay, just let me know when you have an update.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes a state of uncertainty, usually in response to a question about plans or status.

Intonation

  • Emphasis typically on up and air.
  • Often said with a tone of uncertainty or slight frustration.
  • Everything's still UP in the AIR.

Generation Differences

  • Commonly used across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Under the weather
🎲 Uphill battle