in limbo
Idioms-
In a condition of oblivion or neglect, as in They kept her application in limbo for months . [Early 1600s]
-
An intermediate or transitional state, as in After his editor left the firm, his book was in limbo . [Early 1600s] Both usages allude to the theological meaning of limbo , that is, a place outside hell and heaven to which unbaptized infants and the righteous who died before Christ's coming were traditionally consigned.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sweet spot —Regan’s words, not mine—was now, when things were essentially in limbo, and we could make the jump back in time untethered by a future that was already set in stone.
From Literature
Italian company Leonardo's plant in Yeovil, Somerset, had been left in limbo after a planned visit by Defence Secretary John Healey to award the contract was cancelled on Thursday.
From BBC
That still leaves the oil market in limbo.
From MarketWatch
As the weeks amass and donations dwindle, survivors question how long they will be left in limbo after the worst disaster to strike Aceh since a 2004 tsunami.
From Barron's
Throughout the proceedings, Rose has been on bail, unable to work or to leave Hong Kong, leaving her in limbo while awaiting the court's decision.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
