What is Idiomatic Expression 'In the Air'

The idiom "in the air" typically refers to a feeling or atmosphere that is difficult to put into words. It suggests that something intangible is present in the environment, though it has not been made concrete. This intangible feeling can be of excitement, dread, anticipation, or whatever emotion it is that people in the area are experiencing.

"in the air" meaning and sample sentences

In a more literal sense, the idiom can refer to the presence of a scent or smell in the air. This could be anything from the aroma of freshly-baked bread to the stench of smoke from a fire. In either case, the phrase implies a shared experience among those in the area, be it a moment of collective joy or the dread of something terrible.

Another common interpretation of the idiom "in the air" is that of a rumor or news spreading quickly throughout an area or a group of people. This form of the phrase is often used to illustrate how quickly a piece of information can spread, be it good or bad.

It is also used to describe how rumors can quickly take on a life of their own and become distorted beyond recognition. In this case, the phrase implies that the news or rumor is circulating so quickly that it can be felt.

The origin of the phrase "in the air" is a bit of a mystery. It is believed to date back to the 16th century, when it was first used by English playwrights to describe a feeling or atmosphere that was hard to put into words.

This phrase then spread throughout the English-speaking world and eventually made its way into everyday language. Today, it is still used to describe a shared feeling or atmosphere as well as a rumor or news that is spreading quickly.

Here are 10 sample sentences using the idiom "in the air":

1. The news of his return was in the air long before he actually arrived.

2. You could feel the excitement in the air as the crowd waited for the show to start.

3. Rumors of their break-up were in the air, and soon enough it was confirmed.

4. I could sense something was wrong in the air as soon as I walked into the room.

5. He could feel the tension in the air as soon as he stepped into the office.

6. Even though nobody had said anything, the fear was in the air.

7. There was a certain restlessness in the air that made it hard to concentrate.

8. As soon as the topic of politics came up, he could sense the hostility in the air.

9. I could feel the energy in the air as soon as the music started.

10. A wave of panic was in the air as people heard the news.

Comments

'Strings Attached' Idiom Meaning and Examples

The idiom " strings attached " is an expression used to indicate that a certain favor or benefit comes with conditions or limitations. It is usually used to refer to an offer that sounds too good to be true, because it often is. This idiom can be used both in literal and figurative contexts. Synonyms for this phrase include “ conditional offer ”, “ conditional favor ”, “ conditional benefit ” or “ with a catch ”. This idiom is a noun phrase, used to refer to the conditions that accompany a certain offer or benefit. The origin of this phrase is not known, but it is likely related to the idea of being attached to strings, or something that can be easily manipulated or controlled. Examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence include: I heard he's giving out free computers but with strings attached. She said I could use her car, but there were strings attached. He offered me a promotion, but of course there are strings attached. He said he'll pa...

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

The Cherry on Top: An Exploration of This Delightful Idiom

Meaning The idiom "the cherry on top" refers to the final touch that makes something exceptionally good. It describes a delightful or perfect addition to an already positive or impressive situation. Think of it as an extra flourish that brings satisfaction or enhances the overall experience. Usage This idiom is commonly used to highlight a bonus or an additional benefit. It’s versatile and appears in contexts ranging from casual conversations to professional settings. Here are a few examples: "The project was already a success, but the glowing client review was the cherry on top." "Winning the championship was incredible, and being named MVP was the cherry on top." "The free dessert at the restaurant was the cherry on top of a fantastic evening." Etymology and History The phrase originates from the practice of placing a cherry as the decorative final touch on desserts, such as sundaes, cakes, and pastries. This tradition emerged in the ...

💛 What Does Yellow-Livered Mean? 🐔 Unpacking This Bold Old Insult

Language is a living time capsule, holding centuries of culture, emotion, and expression. One of the more colorful idioms still echoing from the past is “yellow-livered” — a phrase packed with history, emotion, and character judgment. But what does it really mean to call someone yellow-livered , and how can we use it effectively (and ethically) today? 📜 Origin & Meaning of Yellow-Livered 🧬 The adjective yellow-livered is an old-fashioned and somewhat theatrical insult meaning cowardly or lacking in courage . The phrase comes from the outdated belief that the liver was the seat of emotions and character. In old medical theories, especially those stemming from the humoral theory of ancient Greece, a healthy liver was associated with bravery and vigor. A “yellow” liver , associated with bile, suggested sickness, weakness, or fear . So, to be yellow-livered is to be timid, spineless, or afraid to face challenges , especially in situations where bravery is expected. Lingui...

🌟 Unpacking the Phrase: What Does “Wrapped Up In” Really Mean? 🎁

In everyday language, we often use idioms to express emotions, involvement, or priorities. One such expression is “wrapped up in” , which might sound simple at first but actually carries layers of meaning. From being emotionally invested to physically covered or fully occupied, the phrase serves as a vivid linguistic tool. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of “wrapped up in” from different angles, providing context, examples, and insight into its versatile use across scenarios. 🎭 Emotional Angle: When You’re Wrapped Up in Feelings ❤️ The phrase is most commonly used to convey deep emotional involvement. When someone says they are wrapped up in a relationship, a problem, or a past experience, it means their mind and heart are entirely preoccupied by it. This usage reflects how emotional experiences can consume our thoughts and influence our actions. For example: “She was so wrapped up in her grief that she barely noticed the days passing by.” This emotiona...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog