up in the air
undecided or uncertain
In more detail
(idiom) uncertain or not yet decided; not having a definite answer or plan yet
Examples
- Our vacation plans are still up in the air because we haven't booked our flights yet.
How to use up in the air
This idiom describes a situation, decision, or plan that remains unsettled or awaiting clarification. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English across casual and professional contexts to indicate uncertainty without negative judgment. The phrase often suggests that a resolution or determination is expected but has not yet occurred.
Common phrases
- leave something up in the air
- hang up in the air
- still up in the air
- everything is up in the air
- plans are up in the air
Synonyms
uncertain · undecided · unresolved · pending · in limbo
Opposites
settled · decided · definite
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'up in the air' to mean something is literally in the air or flying, rather than understanding it as an idiom for uncertainty.
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