walk on thin air

USAGE SUMMARY

'walk on thin air' is an accepted phrase in English, which is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe doing something impossible or extraordinary.
For example: "People thought his dream of becoming a millionaire was impossible, but he somehow managed to walk on thin air and prove them wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once you are inside, you discover that they run not only up and down the façade but also horizontally, into the museum itself: from each vertical window notched into a gallery's wall, a glass ribbon stretches across the floor and you seem to be walking on thin air.

The New Yorker

Holding the pole with his hands, his body leans out horizontally, and he treads his path on thin air as he walks a circle round the pole.

The New York Times

Like Wile E. Coyote realizing too late that he's walked off a cliff and is standing on thin air, "Britney Jean," the new studio album from Britney Spears, is marked with so many sleights of hand, dubious lyrics and bombastic but boringly simple melodies that the too-rare levitation of its better moments seems an animation trick.

Los Angeles Times

The result was that banks' assets ballooned, but were increasingly based on thin air.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a churl would point out that this is a plan built on thin air.

The Guardian - Opinion

The plane dropped him in a third country, leaving the spies to pounce on thin air.

The Economist

Of course, Mr. Timberlake's portrayal of Mr. Parker wasn't based on thin air.

The New York Times

It was running on thin air.

TechCrunch

But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.

Huffington Post

Again from Thich Naht Hanh, "People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle.

Huffington Post

With two hands on the pole he walks his feet around thin air.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing literal walking, use "walk on thin ice" to describe danger but "walk on thin air" only in figurative contexts of wonder or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using "walk on thin air" to describe literal situations where someone is walking on a fragile surface. The phrase is typically used metaphorically to convey a sense of wonder or disbelief. For such literal cases, use "walk on thin ice" instead or another related concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walk on thin air" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It serves to describe a state of euphoria, extraordinary success, or defying expectations. As Ludwig AI points out, it is about improbable accomplishments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Reference

20%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

Wikipedia

3%

The Guardian

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "walk on thin air" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a feeling of euphoria, extraordinary success, or achieving the impossible. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to express wonder or disbelief. While less common than some similar expressions, it is primarily found in news and media contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it. Remember to use "walk on thin air" metaphorically rather than literally, reserving it for situations of improbable achievement or extreme happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve the impossible

Focuses on the successful outcome of doing something deemed unachievable, emphasizing accomplishment.

defy gravity

Implies overcoming a fundamental constraint or limitation, suggesting a remarkable feat.

defy expectations

Highlights the act of surpassing what was anticipated or believed possible.

skate on thin ice

Indicates being in a precarious or risky situation, where a misstep could lead to negative consequences.

tread carefully

Emphasizes the need for caution and awareness in a potentially hazardous environment.

operate without a safety net

Suggests undertaking an endeavor without any backup plan or support system, implying high risk.

build castles in the air

Describes creating unrealistic or impractical plans and dreams that are unlikely to materialize.

live on a prayer

Expresses relying on hope and faith in a difficult or uncertain situation.

pull a rabbit out of a hat

Implies creating something seemingly out of nowhere, often through skill or ingenuity.

get away with murder

Describes avoiding consequences for wrongdoing, often through charm or manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "walk on thin air" in a sentence?

You can use "walk on thin air" to describe a feeling of extreme happiness or success, as if defying gravity. For example, "After winning the lottery, she felt like she was "walking on thin air"".

What's the difference between "walk on thin air" and "walk on thin ice"?

"Walk on thin air" typically describes a feeling of euphoria or an improbable success. "Walk on thin ice" refers to being in a risky situation where a mistake could lead to negative consequences.

Is "walking on air" similar to "walk on thin air"?

Yes, "walking on air" and "walk on thin air" can both describe a feeling of elation or happiness. "Walking on air" is the more commonly used version.

What does it mean to say someone is "building castles in the air" instead of "walk on thin air"?

Saying someone is "building castles in the air" means they are making plans or dreams that are unrealistic or have little chance of succeeding, while "walk on thin air" refers to euphoria or success against the odds.