Phrases & Expressions

Used to ask if something is possible, often in a hopeful or tentative way.

• Is there any chance you could lend me some money?
• Any chance of getting tickets for tonight's show?

A callout made shortly before an aircraft reaches the minimum altitude for an instrument approach.

• The automated voice called "approaching minimums" a hundred feet above the decision altitude.
• We are approaching minimums, so be ready to go around if needed.

Said by air traffic control to tell a pilot that a request is accepted without change.

• Your flight path change is approved as requested.
• The controller told us our direct routing was approved as requested.

The fundamental priorities for pilots: fly the aircraft, know where you are, and talk to others.

• In emergencies, remember: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
• The mantra is 'Aviate, Navigate, Communicate'.

A day when your hair looks untidy and will not go the way you want.

• I'm having a bad hair day today.
• Even celebrities have bad hair days.

An approximate number or estimate, especially of a cost or quantity.

• The mechanic couldn't give me the exact cost, but he offered a ballpark figure.
• We need a ballpark figure for the project budget.

The angle between an aircraft's wings and the horizon when it turns.

• The aircraft turned with a bank angle of 25 degrees.
• Excessive bank angle can lead to a stall.

To remain strong and cheerful in a difficult or sad situation.

• She is bearing up well despite her problems.
• He tried to bear up, but he was very upset.

To keep talking about or working on something that is already settled or hopeless.

• We're just beating a dead horse by arguing about this.
• Stop talking about it; you're beating a dead horse.

To defeat someone in a competition, or do better than that person.

• She beat out the competition to win the gold medal.
• Our small company beat out three larger firms for the contract.