out-of-thin-air
/ˌaʊt əv ˌθɪn ˈeə/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If something comes out of thin air, it seems to appear suddenly with no clear source or explanation. People use it when something feels surprising, impossible, or not based on visible facts.
- The idea did not come out of thin air.
- Money does not appear out of thin air.
- She solved the problem out of thin air.
Adinary Nuance
Use out of thin air when you want to stress that something seems to appear with no clear source. It is not the same as suddenly or unexpectedly; those words do not always suggest mystery. It is also stronger than from nowhere, which is more everyday and less vivid. Writers often use it to question a claim, idea, or amount of money.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- từ hư không
- Spanish
- de la nada
- Chinese
- 凭空
- Japanese
- どこからともなく
- Korean
- 공기 중에서
Etymology
The phrase uses a common image: something appearing from empty air. It developed in English in the 19th century as a vivid way to show sudden, unexplained appearance.
Common phrases
appear out of thin airseem out of thin aircome out of thin air
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is out of thin air formal or informal?
- It is common in both speech and writing. It sounds natural in news, essays, and everyday conversation.
- What is the difference between out of thin air and from nowhere?
- Both mean something appears without a clear source. Out of thin air is more vivid and often sounds more surprising.
- Can I use out of thin air for ideas?
- Yes. People often use it for ideas, claims, money, or excuses.
- Is it used literally?
- Usually no. It is almost always figurative, not about real air.