In limbo

Meaning

"In limbo" is an idiom that means a situation or person is neither here nor there, in a state of uncertainty or stasis. It can refer to anything from a legal case to an individual's emotional state.

Usage

• The court case has been in limbo for months as both parties wait for a decision.
• After the unexpected resignation of their CEO, the company has been in limbo, with employees unsure about their future.
• The couple had been dating for years but recently decided to take a break, leaving their relationship in limbo.
• My car has been in limbo in the garage for weeks due to a part shortage.
• The economic situation in the country has been in limbo since the pandemic hit. The usage of "in limbo" can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used to describe a legal case, a relationship, an individual's emotional state, or even a project at work.

Roots and History

The idiom "in limbo" has its roots in medieval Latin, where it originally meant "in a place of no return." It was later adopted into English in the 14th century, where it was used to describe a person who had died but had not yet been buried. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has broadened to include any situation or person that is uncertain or in a state of stasis.

Synonyms in English

• In limbo
• On hold
• Stuck in a rut
• Caught in a bind
• Mired in uncertainty

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "en attente" (waiting)
• Spanish: "en espera" (waiting)
• German: "aufzuhalten" (holding back)
• Italian: "in attesa" (waiting)
• Mandarin Chinese: "未决的" (undecided)

Similar Idioms

• wane

• in a pinch

• in the cross hairs