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parachuter

to parachute (drop by parachute)

verb pah-rah-shü-TEH Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Also means

to parachute someone into a post (appoint without due process)

Usage Note

Parachuter is used literally (parachuter des secours) and very commonly in a figurative sense meaning to drop someone into a job or position they have not earned through normal channels — on l'a parachuté directeur (they parachuted him in as director). This figurative use often carries a critical tone implying nepotism or political favouritism.

Examples

"On l'a parachuté à la tête de l'entreprise."

Natural Translation

They parachuted him into the top job.

Literal Translation

One him has parachuted to the head of the company.

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