Up in the air
adjectival phrase
Not resolved, uncertain, or unsure.
Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
Often appears as...
- plans are up in the air
- decision is up in the air
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjectival phrase
Physically in the air or in flight.
The ball is up in the air.
Often appears as...
- ball is up in the air
- birds are up in the air
adjectival phrase
Not resolved, uncertain, or unsure.
Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
Often appears as...
- plans are up in the air
- decision is up in the air
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjectival phrase
Physically in the air or in flight.
The ball is up in the air.
Often appears as...
- ball is up in the air
- birds are up in the air
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Impending Decision
Used when an important decision has been delayed and is still pending.
The board meeting concluded but the future of the project is still up in the air.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Uncertainty
Reflects a situation that is temporarily uncertain but expects resolution.
With the election coming up, the new policy is up in the air.
Pro Tip 3/3Expressing Concern
Indicates a speaker's concern or anxiety about something undecided.
I'm worried because my job application status is still up in the air.
Pro Tip 1/3Impending Decision
Used when an important decision has been delayed and is still pending.
The board meeting concluded but the future of the project is still up in the air.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Uncertainty
Reflects a situation that is temporarily uncertain but expects resolution.
With the election coming up, the new policy is up in the air.
Pro Tip 3/3Expressing Concern
Indicates a speaker's concern or anxiety about something undecided.
I'm worried because my job application status is still up in the air.
Pro Tip 1/3Impending Decision
Used when an important decision has been delayed and is still pending.
The board meeting concluded but the future of the project is still up in the air.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Uncertainty
Reflects a situation that is temporarily uncertain but expects resolution.
With the election coming up, the new policy is up in the air.
Pro Tip 3/3Expressing Concern
Indicates a speaker's concern or anxiety about something undecided.
I'm worried because my job application status is still up in the air.
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