IdiomNature
English
Englishout of thin air
Meaning: Appearing from nowhere, as if by magic.
Example: “The magician made a dove appear out of thin air.”
Origin: Shakespeare's The Tempest has Prospero's spirits melt "into thin air." The reverse form, "out of thin air," is found from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: wziąć z sufitu Literally: To take from the ceiling
French: Par l'opération du Saint-Esprit Literally: By the operation of the Holy Spirit
More English idioms
- sit on the fence To avoid taking sides.
- take an ax to To cut something drastically, especially spending or jobs.
- in the crosshairs Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
- hand in hand Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- raise a hue and cry To make a loud public protest.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Du hast doch einen Vogel You're a bit out of your mind.
- Du gehst mir auf den Keks You're getting on my nerves.
- Schlaumeier A smart aleck or know-it-all.
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