in the air

in the air

1. In the surrounding ambience.

   As soon as we entered we could feel the excitement and tension in the air.

   • 2007 November 3, David Thomson, “Music in the air”, in The Guardian‎:

     You may not know La Baule. Think of it as Bognor Regis. Now, you may have spent half your life there, but I do not believe you ever heard Beethoven playing in the air.

2. In the global feeling, idea, atmosphere, or mood of the time.
   • 1981, Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight”, in Face Value‎:

     I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.

3. Prevalent without traceable origin or authority.

   There was a rumour about them in the air.

4. Not in a fixed or stable position; unsettled; up in the air.

   China plans to create snow there and block streams to increase the amount of water in the air, which slows melting.

   Audio (US)

   (file)

5. (military) Unsupported and liable to be turned or taken in flank.

   The army had its wing in the air.

• thiirane