in the air crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "in the air" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the most common and fitting answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "in the air crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ALOFT: Meaning up high or in the air, often used to describe things flying or suspended.
6 Letters
FLYING: Refers to the act of being airborne or moving through the air, fitting for objects like birds or planes.
7 Letters
PENDING: When a situation is 'in the air', it means it's undecided or awaiting a resolution, hence 'pending'.
9 Letters
UNSETTLED: Similar to pending, 'unsettled' implies a matter is still up in the air, not yet resolved or finalized.
More About "in the air crossword clue"
The phrase "in the air" is a versatile one, which explains why it can have multiple answers in crosswords. It can describe a literal state of being airborne, like a kite soaring or a plane taking off. In this sense, answers like ALOFT or FLYING are perfect fits, directly conveying movement or position above the ground.
However, "in the air" also has a common idiomatic meaning, referring to a situation or decision that is uncertain, unresolved, or yet to be decided. When a plan is "in the air," it means its outcome is still unknown. For this metaphorical usage, words such as PENDING or UNSETTLED are frequently used in crossword puzzles. Understanding both the literal and figurative interpretations of the clue is key to selecting the correct answer based on the context provided by intersecting words and letter counts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options from a list of possible solutions.
- Consider Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are often the strongest clues for eliminating incorrect answers and confirming the right one.
- Think Literal vs. Figurative: For clues like "in the air," consider both the literal (e.g., flying) and figurative (e.g., undecided) meanings. The puzzle's theme or other clues might hint at which interpretation is intended.
- Consult a Thesaurus for Synonyms: If you're stuck, think of synonyms for the clue's meaning. For "in the air," consider words that mean 'aloft,' 'flying,' 'undecided,' or 'unresolved.'
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings for 'in the air' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'in the air' can refer to something literally airborne (like ALOFT or FLYING) or something metaphorical, meaning undecided or unresolved (like PENDING or UNSETTLED).
How do I choose between different answers for 'in the air'?
The best way is to check the letter count. If the puzzle indicates 5 letters, ALOFT might fit. For 7 letters, PENDING is a strong candidate. Also, consider any intersecting letters you've already filled in to narrow down the options.
Are there always multiple answers for common crossword clues?
Many common phrases or concepts in crosswords, like 'in the air', can indeed have multiple valid answers depending on the setter's interpretation and the required letter length. This is why checking various possibilities is crucial.