Phrases & Expressions

Riding a bicycle while standing up on the pedals, usually for more power.

• He rode out of the saddle to climb the steep hill.
• Riding out of the saddle uses more energy but gives extra power.

The principle that those who cause pollution should pay for the costs of its cleanup or prevention.

• The polluter pays principle is widely accepted.
• Companies must follow the polluter pays rule.

Meaning that permission must be obtained before an action can be taken.

• The sign on the airfield gate said "Prior permission required".
• Is prior permission required for this event?

A period when someone is very successful or performs especially well.

• The artist is in a purple patch, producing amazing work.
• This team is going through a purple patch this season.

Phrase used by a controller to tell a pilot that radar service has ended.

• Radar service terminated, contact Ankara Information on 126.5.
• Radar service terminated, squawk VFR, frequency change approved.

To cause surprise, disapproval, or mild shock.

• His sudden resignation raised eyebrows among colleagues.
• The unusual decision raised eyebrows at the board meeting.

To speak loudly and angrily, often in an uncontrolled way.

• A customer in the video rental store was ranting and raving that the DVD he rented was broken.
• Please stop ranting and raving — let's discuss this issue calmly.

A day that is especially important or memorable because of a happy event.

• Her graduation was a real red-letter day for the family.
• We consider the day we opened our business a red-letter day.

To ask air traffic control to use the whole length of the runway for takeoff.

• The pilot decided to request full length for takeoff.
• With a heavy aircraft, the crew chose to request full length instead of an intersection departure.

A radio call in which a pilot asks air traffic control to leave the cleared route, usually to avoid bad weather.

• Requesting deviation ten miles left of track due to weather.
• Requesting deviation twenty degrees right to avoid a thunderstorm.