into thin air

/θˈɪn ˈeə/

/θˈɪn ˈɛɹ/

into thin air

used to refer to a someone or something that suddenly disappears, particularly in a way that is mysterious or suspicious

What is the origin of the idiom "into thin air" and when to use it?

The idiom "into thin air" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," written around 1610-1611. Over time, this phrase gained popularity and became a commonly used expression to describe something disappearing completely without a trace.

Examples

1. Her husband disappeared into thin air for years.

2. I would give you my stapler, but it seems to have disappeared into thin air.

3. 'They can't just vanish into thin air!'.

4. That's practically an entire Wyoming disappearing into thin air.

Nearby words