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Reader question: Please explain “punched the air” in this sentence: Hundreds of fans punched the air in unison. My comments: This may be a scene in a sports stadium, where fans celebrate some triumph together, punching the air in excitement. Punching the air? Yes, literally. In boxing, or for that matter in a fist fight on the street, fighters throw punches at each other, trying to hit an opponent hard with a fast clenched fist. To punch the air, one simulates such a punch without touching anyone but the body motion is the same, similar to hitting an opponent, say, in a boxing match. Like I said, punching the air happens a lot in sports, after, for instance, a sprinter crosses the finish line first, or a soccer player scores a goal, or a tennis player wins a hard-fought point. Speaking of tennis, Rafael Nadal, currently the world No. 1, usually punches the air after winning a hard-earned point or, especially, after winning the whole match. He’s playing in the US Open right now. Watch his next game and see for yourself. All right, here are media examples of other people punching the air, either in jubilation or to let out some other pent-up feeling or emotion: 1. Jeremy Corbyn has celebrated his election as Labour leader by launching into an emotional rendition of socialist anthem The Red Flag at his victory party in Westminster. His voice could be heard clearly above dozens of jubilant supporters crowded into The Sanctuary as people rose to their feet and punched the air in the background. | 
