up in the air

1. Not settled, uncertain, as in The proposal to build a golf course next to the airport is still up in the air. This metaphoric expression likens something floating in the air to an unsettled matter. Put as in the air from the mid-1700s, it acquired up in the first half of the 1900s.

Example Sentences

Wideout Ja’Kobi Lane is dealing with an upper body injury that limited him in practice this week, and his status is up in the air for Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

Similarly, the status of Spartan receiver Nick Marsh was up in the air as of Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

While up in the air, however, it looks the same as a lethal Shahed drone to Ukrainian radars, Col Ihnat says.

From BBC

Instead, his fastball is still lacking life, his performances remain inconsistent, and his plan for the rest of this season is up in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

The news that Burke’s future with the lead NBA team was up in the air was first reported by The Athletic in June ahead of the 2025 Finals.

From Los Angeles Times