Meaning of strangle the parrot | Babel Free

Definitions

To switch off the transponder, for example, because it is interfering with the radar system.

idiomatic, slang

Examples

“If you fly⟳ jets, you know⟳ what it means to strangle the parrot (turning off the transponder that identifies aircraft as friendly or hostile) and that the howgozit is a dial that shows how much fuel is left.”

“Over the radio, Kincaid heard the sounds of flights into the north: Air Force⟳ pilots talking to one another. […] Davis broke in with a radio call⟳. “We strangle the parrot in five minutes.” Kincaid grinned. It meant that they would be turning off the IFF equipment.”

“He had acquired a grey parrot on a trip⟳ to Africa and en route back to the UK, air traffic gave instructions to strangle the parrot, meaning of course switch⟳ off the identification, friend or foe (IFF) (codeword 'parrot'). Woobs feigned righteous indignation at this cruel command!”

CEFR level