get-there-itis n.— «Americans suffer from “get-there-itis.” Behind the wheel, the fixation on “getting there” ASAP causes people to speed, run red lights and weave through traffic. When nothing must stand in their way of getting from Point A to...
landing gear v. phr.— «He plugs the air line, emergency line and electrical cables from the cab to the trailer, cranks up the “landing gear” that keeps the trailer moored to the ground, rechecks tags to make sure he’s got the right load, locks the...
tail-dragger n.— «They began amassing more planes, paying special attention to the more versatile models that have a third wheel in back as opposed to the front—”tail-draggers,” as they call them.» —“Flying while female: Women pilots beat odds” by...
suicide lane n.— «If a driver coming toward you in the other inside lane has to come to a sudden stop, his throwing his weight on the brake pedal will tend to make him twist his steering wheel so that his car veers into your lane. That’s what can...
trowel fodder n.— «While many of the technical aspects of archaeology can be learnt in a classroom, there is no substitute for practical experience. If you are really committed to the subject many excavations will offer places to what are commonly...
issue bracelet n.— «The Prius has become, in a sense, the four-wheel equivalent of those popular rubber “issue bracelets” in yellow and other colors—it shows the world that its owner cares.» —“Say ’Hybrid’ and Many People Will Hear ’Prius'” by...