Artists perform with umbrellas during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics. Photo: Getty/Dan Kitwood
Today's Phrase
When something is in the air, it means something exciting or significant is taking place or about to happen.
For example:
Spring is in the air - it's a time for change!
There's definitely something in the air - two of my friends have announced they are getting married.
There was a feeling in the air that the athlete would win gold.
Don't confuse it with
A breath of fresh air means a different approach or a welcome change to something.
For example:
Anna has lots of wonderful ideas and motivation - she's a breath of fresh air.
The new coat of paint in the lounge has given the room a breath of fresh air.
Interesting fact
The first Paralympic Games took place following World War II in 1948, when a sporting event for injured soldiers was organised at Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire, UK. Four years later, the 'Stoke Mandeville Games' - as it was then called - was repeated at the same site with 130 competitors, including veterans from the Netherlands. The first official Paralympic Games took place in 1960 alongside the summer Olympics in Rome, with 400 athletes from 23 different countries.
