ceiling method
n.— «How does anyone administratively know how many hectares would be the right size? The only way one can arrive at such a figure is through a sophisticated technique known as the ceiling method, which means you look at the ceiling and conjure up a figure. The actual figure is best left to commercial considerations of the developer, bearing in mind economies (and diseconomies) of scale and scope.» —“Swinging socialist ’60s” by Bibek Debroy Indian Express (New Delhi, India) Apr. 6, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
The English language has been greatly enriched by borrowings from the languages of Asia. Barely scratching the surface, we have from Japan skosh, tycoon, tsunami, origami, yen, kimono, futon, and karaoke. From Chinese comes yen, kowtow, gung ho, and...