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Up In The Air

What is up in the air?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Meaning uncertain, unresolved, not yet decided[1]
Type idiom[3]
Example “Everything is up in the air.”[2]
Alternative sense angry; perturbed[2]

Up in the air is an idiom meaning something is uncertain, unresolved, or not yet decided. It can also mean a matter has no settled outcome yet, often because a decision still has to be made.

Context

The idiom “up in the air” describes something that is uncertain, unresolved, or not yet decided [1]. It is commonly used for plans or issues that are still unsettled [4]. The meaning depends on whether the phrase is used idiomatically or literally [3]. Collins also lists an informal sense meaning angry or perturbed [2].

Documented claims

  • The idiom is used for plans or issues that are still unsettled. [4]
  • Cambridge says it is used when other matters have to be decided first. [1]

Questions and answers

What does the idiom 'up in the air' mean?

It means something is uncertain, unresolved, or not yet decided [1].

Is there a literal meaning of 'up in the air'?

Yes, Wiktionary lists a literal, non-idiomatic use referring to something physically 'up in the air' [3].

Sources

  1. Up in the air - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms — vocabulary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. What Does the Idiom “Up in the Air” Mean? — ielts.idp.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. up in the air — idioms.thefreedictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. up in the air meaning, origin, example, sentence, etymology — theidioms.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture