# strangle the parrot

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/strangle-the-parrot
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To switch off the transponder, for example, because it is interfering with the radar system.

## Examples

- The pilot had to strangle the parrot to stop the radar interference.
- I need to strangle the parrot because the signal is too noisy.
- Do you always strangle the parrot before you land at this airport?
- After the air traffic controller noticed the signal error, he ordered the pilot to strangle the parrot immediately.
- If your equipment starts sending out wrong altitude data, you should strangle the parrot to avoid confusing the other planes nearby.
- The technician told me to strangle the parrot while they fixed the ground station's receiving antenna.
- To prevent the faulty transponder from cluttering the display with false echoes, the flight crew proceeded to strangle the parrot during the final approach.

## Origin

The phrase originates from British aviation slang during the World War II era, where Parrot served as the codename for the identification friend or foe system. The equipment utilized transponders to signal a craft's identity; to strangle the parrot was to shut the device down.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.