in limbo

Idioms  

1. In a condition of oblivion or neglect, as in They kept her application in limbo for months . [Early 1600s]

2. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in limbo

Now, for the claims stuck in limbo, a similar calculus is playing out.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

“The current system means living in limbo, confined, and often stressed,” Sackett said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Now that mission is in limbo, and, according to the May inspector general’s report, defense leadership “withheld access” to department tools that track the program’s implementation.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

"Many now remain in hiding in their home countries or have fled to third countries where they wait in limbo."

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Kathy told him it was in St. Gabriel, and that because the legal system was in limbo, it would be some time before they could even hope to get Abdulrahman out.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers