Out of thin air

phrase

Something appearing suddenly and unexpectedly.

The magician pulled a rabbit out of thin air.
Visual representation of "out of thin air" - Something appearing suddenly and unexpectedly

Often appears as...

  • appear out of thin air
  • create out of thin air

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Presenting an idea or solution without prior groundwork or context.

He came up with that theory out of thin air.
Visual representation of "out of thin air" - Presenting an idea or solution without prior groundwork or context

Often appears as...

  • came up out of thin air
  • produced out of thin air

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Something appearing suddenly and unexpectedly.

The magician pulled a rabbit out of thin air.
Visual representation of "out of thin air" - Something appearing suddenly and unexpectedly

Often appears as...

  • appear out of thin air
  • create out of thin air

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Presenting an idea or solution without prior groundwork or context.

He came up with that theory out of thin air.
Visual representation of "out of thin air" - Presenting an idea or solution without prior groundwork or context

Often appears as...

  • came up out of thin air
  • produced out of thin air

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "out of thin air"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Magic Analogies

Often used to describe events that happen so unexpectedly they seem magical or supernatural.

Illustration for Magic Analogies
The solution to the problem appeared out of thin air.
LampPro Tip 2/3

No Trace

Implies that something has no clear origin or cause, making it surprising and sometimes shocking.

Illustration for No Trace
A new challenger stepped out of thin air to compete.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Suddenness

Stresses the lack of warning or preparation for the event or object that appears.

Illustration for Emphasis on Suddenness
I turned the corner and out of thin air, a parade appeared.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Magic Analogies

Often used to describe events that happen so unexpectedly they seem magical or supernatural.

Illustration for Magic Analogies
The solution to the problem appeared out of thin air.
LampPro Tip 2/3

No Trace

Implies that something has no clear origin or cause, making it surprising and sometimes shocking.

Illustration for No Trace
A new challenger stepped out of thin air to compete.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Suddenness

Stresses the lack of warning or preparation for the event or object that appears.

Illustration for Emphasis on Suddenness
I turned the corner and out of thin air, a parade appeared.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Magic Analogies

Often used to describe events that happen so unexpectedly they seem magical or supernatural.

Illustration for Magic Analogies
The solution to the problem appeared out of thin air.
LampPro Tip 2/3

No Trace

Implies that something has no clear origin or cause, making it surprising and sometimes shocking.

Illustration for No Trace
A new challenger stepped out of thin air to compete.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis on Suddenness

Stresses the lack of warning or preparation for the event or object that appears.

Illustration for Emphasis on Suddenness
I turned the corner and out of thin air, a parade appeared.
Visual representation of the word "Out of thin air"

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