English idiom

into thin air

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

Away so completely and suddenly that no trace or explanation remains.

Word picture

Something disappears into air so insubstantial that it seems unable to leave a trace.

Example

“The spare key seemed to vanish into thin air between breakfast and lunchtime.”

Dictionary details

Component words

thin air

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

out of thin air

to seem to materialize suddenly without any apparent origin

have several balls in the air

to be managing multiple projects or commitments at once

through thick and thin

Remaining loyal and supportive during both good times and serious difficulties.

spread yourself too thin

to try to do so many things that you do none of them well

fall on deaf ears

to be ignored without producing any response or acknowledgment

pick holes

to scrutinize something in order to expose its flaws

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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