in limbo

in limbo

1. In a spiritual state between heaven and hell after death. He was terrified that he would be trapped in limbo if a priest didn't hear his final confession before he died.
2. In a precarious, indefinite, or suspended state or condition in which the outcome is uncertain. The officer looking after my case quit recently, so my application has been stuck in limbo. We're kind of in limbo out here until the French authorities reopen the airports.
See also: limbo
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*in limbo

 
1. Lit. a region of the afterlife on the border of hell. (In some Christian religions, there is a limbo set aside for souls that do not go to either heaven or hell. This sense is used only in this religious context. *Typically: be ~; remain ~; stay ~.) The baby's soul was in limbo because she had not been baptized.
2. Fig. in a state of neglect; in a state of oblivion; in an indefinite state; on hold. (*Typically: be ~; leave something ~; put something ~.) We'll have to leave the project in limbo for a month or two. After I got hit on the head, I was in limbo for about ten minutes.
See also: limbo
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in limbo

1. In a condition of oblivion or neglect, as in They kept her application in limbo for months. [Early 1600s]
2. 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.
See also: limbo
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

in ˈlimbo

in a state of uncertainty or between two states: We’re in limbo at the moment because we’ve finished our work in this country and now we’re waiting for our next contract. Our plans for renting an apartment in Spain are in limbo at the moment.In some Christian beliefs, limbo is a state that is neither heaven nor hell, where some souls live.
See also: limbo
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • limbo
  • 7th
  • terrify or an animal out of
  • heaven knows
  • be in seventh heaven
  • heaven only knows
  • heaven dust
  • a heaven on earth
  • heaven on earth
  • a man can die but once
References in periodicals archive
Dreams are invaded and they must fight to save not only there physical bodies which have been frozen in a trancelike state, but also their souls which wander alone trapped In Limbo.'
Further details of In limbo can be found at www.inlimboshortfilm and details of the upcoming films from Nine Ladies Film can be found at www.nineladiesfilm.com, this includes the new horror short The Telephone, the second film in the trilogy of planned horror shorts.
In Limbo Film to be Released by Anon Motion Pictures
In addition, deterrent measures such as reduced welfare benefits, detentions, and dispersion across the country have been introduced, including a controversial attempt to deny benefits to anyone seeking asylum "incountry." Richmond concludes that barriers such as Britain imposes on asylum seekers, tellingly similar to those in other countries, create more refugees in limbo, as they search for a safe haven somewhere in the world.
The latter are determined to be refugees, but are not given permanent protection and are left in limbo. What is insightful about this article is its theoretical discussion of the impact of public rhetoric and the sense of belonging for those in limbo.
Betwixt and between: refugees and stateless persons in limbo
In Limbo is performed by Classworks Theatre, on April 20, at 7.30pm.
Meet famous North writer
"This money is in limbo until the Mayor and Council determine who is responsible," O'Toole said.
$100M in housing funds stuck in power play
Catholics believed unbaptised children and good people who lived before Christ end up in limbo because they have the "stain of original sin".
LIMBO IN LIMBO; Pope decides to keep first circle of hell another year
HIGH and Mighty Coventry Blaze coach Paul Thompson has ruled out swooping for any players left in limbo by the demise of Milton Keynes Kings or Peterborough Pirates.
ICE HOCKEY: Blaze say no to Pirates or Kings; BOSS RULES OUT SWOOP AFTER RIVALS' DEMISE
DARREN Magee has revealed his immediate future with the Dublin team is in limbo.
Magee said: "Things are just in limbo for me right now.
GAA: Magee Dublin doubts
(A sardonic friend suggested jokingly writing a thesis titled, "Do kids have fun in limbo?")
Is religious education stuck in limbo?
As other clubs prepare for the January transfer window, Levein admitted his plans are in limbo until the issue has been resolved.
Football: Levein's hands are tied in market