land the plane
To abort an unsuccessful enterprise, especially an unsuccessful political campaign.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The campaign is failing, so it is time to land the plane.”
“After months of poor polling numbers, the candidate finally decided to land the plane and withdraw from the race.”
“Recognizing that the initiative had lost all public support, the leadership team chose to land the plane rather than continue wasting resources on a doomed endeavor.”
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build the plane while flying it
To develop one's approach or strategy to a project while carrying out that project, and not beforehand.
- 02
fat of the land
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
- 03
land in someone's lap
To come into somebody's possession without that person making any effort to attain it, and possibly without them expecting it.
- 04
land legs
A sense of balance, slowly regained after a time at sea.
- 05
land on
To reach a common conclusion or agreement, usually following a small period of disagreement.
- 06
land on one's feet
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
- 07
land poor
In a condition of poverty as a result of inability to meet tax payments or other financial requirements for one's land holdings.
- 08
lay of the land
The physical characteristics of the terrain or surrounding natural environment.
Last updated August 10, 2026