Define the Idiom 'Into Thin Air'

"Into thin air" is an idiom that refers to something that has disappeared suddenly and completely, without any explanation or trace. It can also refer to something that has been lost or forgotten. It is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

The phrase appeared first in literature in 16th century, but it has been in use since then and its usage has become popular since the 18th century.

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it likely refers to the literal meaning of something disappearing into the air, as if it were thin and insubstantial. It may also have a metaphorical origin, referring to something that is fleeting or ephemeral.

The idiom can be used as an adverbial phrase in a sentence and it can be classified as a phrase, clause or sentence.

The idiom is appropriate to use when referring to something that has disappeared suddenly and completely, without any explanation or trace such as physical objects, people, or even abstract concepts such as money, ideas, or plans.

For example, "The money just vanished into thin air." or "The plan went up in smoke, like it just disappeared into thin air".

It's not appropriate to use this idiom when referring to things that have been misplaced or can be found again, or when talking about things that have been destroyed or broken. It's also not appropriate to use this idiom when referring to things that are simply not visible or not present at the moment.

Here are a few sample sentences using the idiomatic expression "into thin air":

1. The magician made the rabbit disappear into thin air.
2. The company's profits seemed to have vanished into thin air.
3. The witness's story changed so often that it made her credibility disappear into thin air.
4. The storm was so strong that it blew the tent into thin air.
5. The thief took the jewels and disappeared into thin air.
6. The idea was promising, but it went up in smoke and disappeared into thin air.
7. The missing plane and its passengers seemed to have vanished into thin air.
8. The opportunity was there, but it evaporated into thin air.
9. The illusionist made the statue disappear into thin air.
10. The politician's reputation was good, but it vanished into thin air after the scandal.