up in the air

Meaning

This phrase describes a situation, plan, or decision that is unresolved, uncertain, or undecided. It is commonly used in casual conversations when final details have not been confirmed yet.

Examples

• Our travel plans are still up in the air because of the unpredictable weather.

  Our travel plans are still up in the air because of the unpredictable weather.

• Whether we get a bonus this year is still up in the air.

  Whether we get a bonus this year is still up in the air.

• Everything is up in the air right now, so we can't book the flights yet.

  Everything is up in the air right now, so we can't book the flights yet.

• The date for the product launch is still up in the air.

  The date for the product launch is still up in the air.

• My job situation is a bit up in the air at the moment.

  My job situation is a bit up in the air at the moment.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The meeting is on the air.

  ✓ The meeting is up in the air.

  'On the air' means broadcasting on TV or radio, whereas 'up in the air' means undecided.

• ✗ Our plans are up in air.

  ✓ Our plans are up in the air.

  You must include the definite article 'the' in this idiom.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We want to move to a new city, but our plans are still ___.

  💡 uncertain or undecided

  Show answer

  up in the air

• Whether the event will be canceled is still ___.

  💡 not yet resolved

  Show answer

  up in the air