Touch and go

Definition

A landing followed by immediate takeoff without stopping, used in training. Also metaphorically for any brief, intense encounter that doesn't linger.

Example Usage

The transport did a touch-and-go at the airfield to deliver supplies without refueling.

Origin

Military aviation terminology, WWII era

Fun Fact

Now used in civilian aviation and general vocabulary.

Source: Military and civilian aviation operations

Related Terms

Advanced

Strike package

Coordinated military aircraft and support units designed for a specific bombing or attack mission. A delicately balanced collection of ordnance, pilots, and support that's surprisingly fragile once airborne.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

rotary wing

Helicopter aircraft, distinguished from fixed-wing planes. The preferred transportation method when you absolutely need to arrive somewhere while making maximum noise.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Advanced

Attrition Warfare

Military strategy of grinding down enemy forces through sustained casualties over time—basically 'we have more bodies than you do, so let's count.'

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

spun up

Agitated, excited, or overly motivated, often to the point of being counterproductive. The state of being that turns simple tasks into elaborate operations.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

leave

Military-approved vacation time, because apparently 'vacation' sounds too leisurely for people trained to jump out of airplanes. Earned through service and granted at command's discretion, it's the carrot that keeps soldiers from going AWOL. Comes in various flavors including emergency leave, convalescent leave, and the mythical 'approved leave' that somehow never gets approved before holidays.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

salt

A veteran service member with extensive experience, often multiple combat deployments. Has seen it all, believes none of it, and maintains emergency coffee supplies.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Translate This Term

See “Touch and go” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

Ramen Profitable

The stage at which a startup makes just enough revenue to cover the founders' basic living expenses, assuming those expe...