I share 20 idioms of air, providing meanings and examples for each. Idioms are expressions that add color to language.
They convey ideas beyond literal meanings. Air idioms reflect various aspects of life. From uncertainty to happiness, they capture emotions and situations. Understanding these idioms can enrich your communication.
Here, you’ll find idioms categorized into best, funny, and those combining water and air. Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of air idioms.
list of 20 idioms for air
- Up in the Air
- Out of Thin Air
- Clear the Air
- Vanish into Thin Air
- On Air
- Full of Hot Air
- In the Air
- Walk on Air
- Air One’s Dirty Laundry
- Something in the Air
- Breath of Fresh Air
- In the Same Breath
- Build Castles in the Air
- Airy-Fairy
- Full of Hot Air
- Beat the Air
- Floating on Air
- Treading Water
- Head Above Water
- Take to the Air
Best Idioms for Air
1. Up in the Air
Meaning: Uncertain.
Example: My vacation plans are still up in the air.

2. Out of Thin Air
Meaning: From nothing.
Example: The magician pulled a rabbit out of thin air.
3. Clear the Air
Meaning: Resolve a misunderstanding.
Example: They had a meeting to clear the air.
4. Vanish into Thin Air
Meaning: Disappear suddenly.
Example: The cat vanished into thin air.
5. On Air
Meaning: Broadcasting live.
Example: The show is now on air.
6. Full of Hot Air
Meaning: Talking nonsense.
Example: He is full of hot air about his achievements.
7. In the Air
Meaning: About to happen.
Example: Excitement is in the air during the festival.
8. Walk on Air
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She felt like she was walking on air after the win.
9. Air One’s Dirty Laundry
Meaning: Expose private issues.
Example: They aired their dirty laundry on social media.
10. Something in the Air
Meaning: Feeling of something about to happen.
Example: There’s something in the air; change is coming.
11. Breath of Fresh Air
Meaning: Refreshing change.
Example: Her ideas are a breath of fresh air.
12. In the Same Breath
Meaning: Simultaneously.
Example: He praised and criticized him in the same breath.
Funny Idioms for Air
13. Build Castles in the Air
Meaning: Daydream.
Example: He always builds castles in the air about his future.
14. Airy-Fairy
Meaning: Impractical.
Example: His airy-fairy ideas won’t work in reality.
15. Full of Hot Air
Meaning: Boastful.
Example: Don’t listen to him; he’s full of hot air.
16. Beat the Air
Meaning: Waste effort.
Example: Arguing with him is like beating the air.
Idioms for Water and Air
17. Floating on Air
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She was floating on air after the promotion.
18. Treading Water
Meaning: Making no progress.
Example: I’m just treading water with this project.
19. Head Above Water
Meaning: Survive difficult times.
Example: Despite the challenges, they kept their head above water.
20. Take to the Air
Meaning: Fly.
Example: The birds took to the air at dawn.

1. What does “up in the air” mean?
“Up in the air” means naturally something is uncertain or undecided. For example, “My vacation plans are still up in the air.”
2. How can I use “clear the air” in a sentence?
You can use “clear the air” when resolving misunderstandings. For example, “They had a meeting to clear the air.”
3. What is the meaning of “walk on air”?
“Walk on air” means to feel extremely happy. For example, “She felt like she was walking on air after the win.”