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
Claire from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shares a phrase dear to her late friend. Her friend was known for saying since Christ left Philadelphia, meaning “a very long time ago.” This expression fits a well-worn pattern of comic hyperbole using...
Miley in The Dalles, Oregon, asks about going gunny bags meaning to “break down” or “go haywire.” Her mother uses this expression, but has no idea where she picked it up. The term gunny sack, referring to a bag made of coarse material such as jute...