"spinning out of control"

Posted by Ward Fredericks on March 18, 2004

In Reply to: "Spinning out of control" posted by Henry on March 18, 2004

: : context:

: : "Vying for territorial control two dwarf Iguanodons duke it out and the fight seems to be spinning out of control".

: : My question: is it a mixture of "spinning out" which mean to make it longer and out of control? and if not - what is the meaning?

: : I saw it in google in political context.

: : Thanks again and where would I be without you?

: I'd say it was a comparison with an aeroplane going into a spin, either because the aeroplane has been damaged (in a dog-fight) or because the pilot has lost control through lack of expertise. Other views welcome!

:::It is a term from aviation. When an airplane enters a spin, the controls don't react as they normally do and an inexperienced pilot will be totally out of control. Normally the result is a seriously bent airplane and occupants. More experienced pilots will know the counter intuitive things to do with the rudder to get the airplane to stop spinning, and they can then recover from the spin.
But, without the special training and/or a bit of luck -- spinning out of control means you are headed for a bad outcome.

• "Spinning out of control" R. Berg 19/March/04
  • "Spinning out of control" Smokey Stover 19/March/04
    • "Spinning out of control" Miri Barak 19/March/04
      • Thanks for all your help Miri Barak 19/March/04
        • Thanks for all your help al 19/March/04
          • Smokey is Right --- again! Ward Fredericks 20/March/04