ENGLISH
REFERENCE

land the plane

idiom
Meaning

To abort an unsuccessful enterprise, especially an unsuccessful political campaign.


Examples
SIMPLE

The campaign is failing, so it is time to land the plane.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of poor polling numbers, the candidate finally decided to land the plane and withdraw from the race.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    build the plane while flying it

    To develop one's approach or strategy to a project while carrying out that project, and not beforehand.

  2. 02

    fat of the land

    The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    land legs

    A sense of balance, slowly regained after a time at sea.

  5. 05

    land on

    To reach a common conclusion or agreement, usually following a small period of disagreement.

  6. 06

    land on one's feet

    To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.

  7. 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.

  8. 08

    lay of the land

    The physical characteristics of the terrain or surrounding natural environment.

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