A way of doing things or solving problems with very little resources but meticulously planned in order to obtain the best possible result or
the greatest benefit from a difficult or unsafe situation.-
Although it derived from the spanish original "A la Chilena", which has a broader meaning, the english form is more often used, even by spanish speakers, to denote the more specific meaning written above.
The term was coined locally in South America in the mid-eighties, when, under Augusto Pinochet's
dictatorship, chileans managed to survive a great
economic depression by being very inventive business-wise and diversified the country's economy, rather intuitively than with actual training.
The "Chilean Way" met global significance in February 2010 when Chilean newly elected State Officers faced the "2010 Concepcion earthquake" and were challenged with Reconstruction issues, wich they did very effectively and efficiently in order to solve
immediate needs of nearly 2 million of the most affected people.
Further world recognition of the phrase came after the rescue of 33 copper miners, that same year, who spent 69 days trapped over 2,300 ft (700 mts) underground, with no casualties whatsoever.
- Dude, how did you managed to
throw a party with so little cash?
- Chilean way, dude... the chilean way.
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- I can't believe they're making us build this model
overnight!
- We're gonna solve this the chilean way,
alright, mate?
- Alright, mate. I'll bring snacks, you make some coffee.
