Up in the air has been used as a figurative idiom in English since at least the 1920’s.
Meaning of Up in the Air
When something is up in the air, it means that it is undecided, uncertain, or unresolved. This expression refers to plans, solutions to problems, disagreements, etc.
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Examples Of Use
“Our Christmas plans are still up in the air.”
“The zoning decision for the new building is still up in the air.”
Origin
The precise origin of this idiom is unknown, although it’s figurative use is easy to understand. It may allude to a coin toss, since as long as the coin is still in the air, the outcome is unknown. But, it may refer generally to the uncertain nature of when and where something will come down to Earth when it is ‘in the air.’
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