Up in the Air
up in the air - Unsettled, undetermined. This metaphor for unsettled matters floating about like clouds, or perhaps like birds flying in the air, was occasionally put simply as in the air. Thomas Jefferson used it that way in 1797 (Writings): “I consider the future character of our Republic as in the air.”
Related and Similar Terms
- In limbo: In an uncertain state, often implying a delay.
- Hanging in the balance: A situation with an uncertain outcome.
- In flux: Continuously changing; not settled.
- On the fence: Undecided between two options.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Humorous Quotes
- Synonyms: Unsettled, undetermined, uncertain, unresolved.
- Antonyms: Resolved, decided, certain, settled.
- “My plans are so up in the air they should have a flight number!” - A witty friend forever stalling on decisions.
Proverbs & Expressions
- “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” - Be careful not to assume something good will happen before it actually does.
- “A watched pot never boils.” - Things seem to take longer when you are anxious or waiting for them deliberately.
References in Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Literature: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens - Pip’s future is frequently up in the air.
- Books: “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller - A book filled with up-in-the-air situations and paradoxes.
- Songs: “Up in the Air” by 30 Seconds to Mars - A song that tackles feelings of uncertainty and searching for control.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost - Making choices when the outcome is up in the air.
- Movies: “Up in the Air” starring George Clooney - A film literally about lives “up in the air” due to constant travel and uncertain jobs.
🎢 Quizzes 🎡
### Which phrase means the same as 'up in the air'?
- [x] In limbo
- [ ] Nailed to the floor
- [ ] Written in stone
- [ ] Carved in ice
> **Explanation:** 'In limbo' signifies an uncertain state, much like 'up in the air.'
### True or False: The phrase “up in the air” refers to matters that are undecided or unsettled.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! When matters are undecided, they are often described as being "up in the air."
### What does “hanging in the balance” imply?
- [x] An uncertain outcome
- [ ] Sure thing
- [ ] Stable balance
- [ ] Constant flux
> **Explanation:** "Hanging in the balance" implies an outcome that could go either way or be uncertain.
### "In limbo" is similar to "up in the air." True or False?
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This is true. Both phrases describe states of uncertainty.
### Which condition is NOT described by "up in the air"?
- [ ] Uncertain
- [ ] Undecided
- [ ] Unresolved
- [x] Settled
> **Explanation:** "Settled" is the opposite of "up in the air" which relates to uncertainties.
### In which work of literature is a character’s future frequently "up in the air"?
- [ ] War and Peace
- [ ] Little Women
- [x] Great Expectations
- [ ] The Catcher in the Rye
> **Explanation:** Pip’s future in "Great Expectations" is frequently uncertain and "up in the air."
### Choose the correct phrase: Negotiations are _____.
- [ ] On the stove
- [ ] Carved in wood
- [x] Up in the air
- [ ] In the freezer
> **Explanation:** "Up in the air" is the correct idiom for something undecided, like ongoing negotiations.
And thus, dear reader, may you navigate your up-in-the-air moments with grace and humor, knowing that certainty often comes when we least expect it.
W. T. Wittywords
October 2023
