wing wiper

A term used to describe a member of the US Air Force.

Probably comes from the Air Force's reputation for being neat and orderly.
Did ya see that wing-wiper over there? Bet I could arm wrestle him.
by Athene Airheart May 01, 2004
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trial and error

One way to solve a problem.

A person will try something, get it wrong, learn from the mistakes, try again, and hopefully eventually get it right.

Many great ideas and inventions were devised through the process of trial and error.
Through trial and error, I finally figured out how to fix that sticky door handle.
by Athene Airheart May 15, 2004
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give hell

To really whoop someone or give them trouble. To attack. If you really bust someone up and thoroughly kick their tailfeathers, you will have given them hell.

Since hell is a bad place full of suffering, to give someone hell is to create your own little part of it just for them.

It can also be a term for teasing or general razzing, ("he was really giving you hell at the party, wasn't he?") as well as winning in an athletic event. "We really gave that team hell."
If you are fighting a ferocious enemy, and want to charge up your troops, a good thing to shout would be "Give 'em hell!"
by Athene Airheart March 19, 2004
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Hangar Hound

Someone who spends a lot of time around aircraft. See ramp rat, airport bum.

A "hangar" is a structure in which aircraft are kept. Many times you will find mechanics and/or pilots spending time there, talking about flying and telling stories. A Hangar Hound need not be a pilot or mechanic, but can just like being near aviation.
I had a good chat with the other hangar hounds the other day, we were discussing the air show coming up in June.
by Athene Airheart May 02, 2004
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meanwhile, back at the ranch

A humerous phrase indicating a simultanious happening.

Derived from old Western TV shows or movies. Something exciting would be happening out on the range somewhere (or in town, etc), but at the same time something else would be happening at the home base, i.e. the ranch.
The bank is being robbed by Smoky Joe and the Goatnose Gang! Will Whitehat Willy be able to foil the desperadoes in time?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, little Betsy has discovered a gold nugget in the family's stream.
by Athene Airheart May 04, 2004
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To take advantage of a brief opportunity while it is still there. To not waste time.

The saying comes from farming communities. There would often be only a short time in which the hay would be ready to cut- reap too soon, and the hay would be too green. Reap too late, and you run the risk of rain ruining it all. Still very good advice.
I just got a good job for the summer- I don't know if I'll have one this fall, but I'll make hay while the sun shines and save up for the winter.
by Athene Airheart May 16, 2004
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bounce-and-go

Humerous version of touch-and-go. Sometimes used when the pilot is having a bad day practicing landings.
"Wow! James really did a lot of bounce-and-goes! Are those landing gear still okay? Better check the inflation on that nose gear strut."
by Athene Airheart March 20, 2004
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