Pull out of thin air Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To suddenly come up with an idea, answer, or information without having prepared or based it on anything real; to invent or imagine something as if by magic.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used with disbelief or criticism, suggesting something is made up or unreliable ('He just pulled those numbers out of thin air'). Can refer to ideas, excuses, or facts. Frequently used for explaining guesses or improvisations.
Example Sentences
He seemed to pull out of thin air an answer to every question.
basic
Did you pull that story out of thin air or is it true?
basic
She can pull ideas out of thin air when she is asked to help.
basic
Those numbers weren’t researched—he just pulled them out of thin air.
natural
I can’t just pull a solution out of thin air—I need some details first.
natural
You can’t expect the teacher to pull grade curves out of thin air at the last minute.
natural