in limbo
Idioms-
In a condition of oblivion or neglect, as in They kept her application in limbo for months . [Early 1600s]
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An intermediate or transitional state, as in After his editor left the firm, his book was in limbo . [Early 1600s] Both usages allude to the theological meaning of limbo , that is, a place outside hell and heaven to which unbaptized infants and the righteous who died before Christ's coming were traditionally consigned.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Alberto Carvalho remains in limbo after a February FBI raid of his home and office.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
"With diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict in limbo, fresh uncertainty has flooded in," she added.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
And so women and their doctors remain in limbo.
From Slate • May 5, 2026
Just three days later a takeover led by Dunfermline Athletic owner James Bord collapsed, leaving Wednesday in limbo.
From BBC • May 2, 2026
We spent the rest of the day in limbo, waiting, not knowing, pacing around the hospital, family members stopping by.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
