helicopter research
n.— «I made them a promise that we weren’t going to practice what is known as “helicopter research,” where you go into a community, get your research data, publish a paper and walk away.» —“Two hospitals work with Senecas” by Don Glynn Niagara Gazette (New York) Apr. 11, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...
A flashlight emits a steady beam of light. So what’s the flash part of that word about? Also, if you’re a nervous Nellie, you’re skittish and indecisive—both characteristics of an American politician who earned that nickname in the...