splash down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘splash down’ mean?
The idiom "splash down" refers to the act of a spacecraft or aircraft landing on water. It is often used metaphorically to describe a dramatic or explosive ending or conclusion to an event or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the curtain falls" is often used metaphorically to describe the end or conclusion of a situation or event, especially in a dramatic or final manner.
The idiom "stick the landing" means to successfully and gracefully complete a difficult task or performance, especially in sports or entertainment, without any mistakes or errors.
"Sinking ship" is an idiom that refers to a situation or organization that is failing or doomed to fail. It implies that one should abandon or distance themselves from the situation to avoid being negatively affected.
The idiom "shower down" means to rain or fall down heavily and abundantly, often used metaphorically to describe a large quantity of something descending rapidly.
The idiom "shoot down" means to reject or dismiss an idea, proposal, or suggestion, often in a harsh or abrupt manner.
The idiom "ring down the curtain" means to bring an event or performance to a close, usually in a final or dramatic way.
The idiom *rain down* means to fall or descend in large quantities or with force, often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and overwhelming occurrence or event.
The idiom "pour down the drain" means to waste or lose something valuable, especially time, effort, or resources, without any benefit or use. It conveys the idea of something being futile or ineffectual, as if it is being poured, or thrown away, down a drain with no possibility of retrieval.
When someone makes a splash, it means they attract attention or create a big impact, usually in a dramatic or noticeable way.
The idiom "knock down" means to forcefully bring someone or something to the ground. It can also refer to reducing the price or value of something significantly.
Taking the Plunge
"Splash down" is a phrase that originated in the field of aviation and space exploration. It is used to describe the moment when a spacecraft or aircraft safely lands in water, typically the ocean. This expression became popular during the 1960s, particularly with NASA's Apollo lunar missions. Astronauts returning to Earth would "splash down" in the ocean after their space adventures. The successful splashdown of the Apollo capsules was always an exciting and celebrated event.
This idiom is a compound word consisting of the verb "splash" and the noun "down." When used in this context, "splash" refers to the sound and action of a liquid hitting a solid surface, representing the impact of the spacecraft or aircraft with the water. The term "down" suggests a descent from a higher position to a lower one, symbolizing the landing of the object.
The idiomatic expression "splash down" goes beyond the field of aviation and space exploration. It has metaphorical applications in other areas as well, signifying a dramatic or impactful arrival or completion. This idiom conveys a sense of accomplishment and the conclusion of a significant endeavor. Examples of its usage include the conclusion of a project, the completion of a presentation, or the achievement of a personal goal. In these instances, "splash down" captures the concept of a successful, noteworthy, and memorable conclusion.
Another idiom related to "splash down" is "rain down." This phrase invokes the idea of something falling or descending, much like how raindrops fall from the sky. Just as a spacecraft or aircraft makes a splash when it lands in water, something can "rain down" to signal an abundance or profusion of objects or ideas. For example, if a team wins a championship, confetti and cheers may "rain down" on them in celebration.
An additional related idiom is "shower down." This expression also suggests a descending motion, similar to rain or a spacecraft landing. "Shower down" implies a sudden and plentiful release or distribution of something. For instance, during a surprise party, friends may "shower down" the person of honor with confetti, hugs, and well-wishes.
The last idiom associated with "splash down" is "crash dive." This phrase refers to a sudden and rapid dive, often used in the context of submarines. When a submarine needs to quickly submerge to avoid detection or danger, it performs a "crash dive." This idiom captures the urgency and speed with which the submarine descends underwater.
Overall, the idiom "splash down" originated from the aviation and space exploration fields, particularly with NASA's Apollo missions. It has since evolved to represent the successful completion or attainment of a goal in various contexts. The related idioms "rain down," "shower down," and "crash dive" all convey different forms of descending or falling actions. Each idiom adds depth and versatility to the English language, allowing us to express ourselves in colorful and expressive ways.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "splash down" can be used in a sentence:
- The spacecraft successfully splash down into the ocean after completing its mission.
- The daring stuntman decided to splash down into the pool from the high diving board.
- After the intense rainfall, the city streets flooded, causing cars to splash down into the deep water.
More "Aviation" idioms
