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Where did the phrase pushing the envelope originate?In: Idioms and Slang |
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Answer
When an aircraft is designed, the engineers measure its performance and the power of the engine. The performance would be plotted on a curve that formed a 2-dimensional shape on paper. For example, at higher altitudes, the power dropped off. The engine performed best within the values of the plot that fit inside that shape. This plot defined the envelope of performance of that engine.
If the Test Pilot wanted to see what his airplane could do, he would try to make his airplane perform outside of that envelope----thereby 'pushing the envelope'.
First answer by Custermen. Last edit by Custermen. Contributor trust: 280 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]
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