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 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.