stick the landing

== English == === Etymology === Evidently by metaphor with sticking (placing quickly, thrusting) something quite accurately into a specific place. The term is not specific to aviation: see stick. Thus, this term evidently does not come from a reference to an aircraft's stick (“control stick”). It also does not involve the same metaphor as deadstick landing, whose stick is, originally, a wooden propeller that has lost its engine power. === Pronunciation === === Verb === stick the landing (third-person singular simple present sticks the landing, present participle sticking the landing, simple past and past participle stuck the landing) (sports) To complete a gymnastic or other athletic routine involving leaps, vaults, somersaults, etc. by landing firmly, solidly, and flawlessly on one's feet. (aviation, astronautics) To execute a flawless landing (of an aircraft, rocket, or space capsule). (idiomatic, by extension) To complete a process in an impressive and conclusive manner. ==== Related terms ==== ==== See also ==== (aviation): grease (verb)