ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stick the landing

idiom
Meaning

To complete a process in an impressive and conclusive manner.


Origin

disputed origin

Evidently by metaphor with sticking (placing quickly, thrusting) something quite accurately into a specific place. The term is not specific to aviation: see stick. Thus, this term evidently does not come from a reference to an aircraft's stick (“control stick”). It also does not involve the same metaphor as deadstick landing, whose stick is, originally, a wooden propeller that has lost its engine power.

Examples
SIMPLE

She finished her presentation perfectly and stuck the landing.

CONTEXTUAL

The team worked hard on the final project and really stuck the landing during the client meeting.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting pressure and the complexity of the merger, the executive team managed to stick the landing with a flawless final announcement.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat off with a stick

    To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).

  2. 02

    beat with the ugly stick

    Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.

  3. 03

    carrot and stick

    The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.

  4. 04

    clue stick

    A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

  5. 05

    deadstick landing

    A forced landing without propulsion of an aircraft that normally operates with propulsion.

  6. 06

    get on the stick

    To get started; to begin working; to become active.

  7. 07

    hit with the stupid stick

    Used to describe someone who is stupid or unintelligent.

  8. 08

    holy crap on a stick

    Emphatic form of holy crap.

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