WORD POWER
Air fare
Prerana Trehan

Last week we spoke about earth. This week we take up the second element, air.

A breath of fresh air: someone or something that is new and different and makes everything seem more exciting.

After two boring weeks of vacations, a visit from my cousin came like a breath of fresh air.

Floating/walking on air: very happy and excited because something very pleasant has happened.

When I found out that I had topped my class, I was walking on air.

In the air: a) a feeling that everyone experiences at the same time.

The fear in the air on the streets of Srinagar is palpable.

b) going to happen very soon

Now that our company has been taken over, I think major changes are in the air.

Left hanging in the air/in midair: a problem that is not dealt with or answered.

Although my friend’s parents have agreed to let her work, the question of her moving to another town is still hanging in midair.

Castles in the air: plans or hopes that have very little chance of happening or coming true.

I would like to go into business for myself but until I have the necessary resources, I know it is just castles in the air.

Out of/from thin air: something that suddenly or mysteriously appears or is made.

I got the fright of my life when a man appeared out of thin air right behind me on a deserted street.

With your nose in the air: think you are better than other people and not want to speak to them.

The new girl in school walks around with her nose in the air.

Match each of the following sentences with its ending:

You walk on air

You build castles in the air

You leave a problem hanging in midair

You walk with your nose in the air

...when you do not deal with it.

...when you think that you are much better than other people.

...when you are happy about something.

...when your plans have a very slim chance of working out.

(Reference: Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms)