Neil Armstrong

I'm substantially concerned about the policy directions of the space agency. We have a situation in the U.S. where the White House and Congress are at odds over what the future direction should be. They're sort of playing a game and NASA is the shuttlecock that they're hitting back and forth.

American Astronaut

Fred

I suffered a lot of criticism from the press and the fans, but I always kept motivating myself, working. I never dropped the shuttlecock.

Brazilian Footballer

The shuttlecock is fundamental to badminton like a ball is to soccer or basketball.

Badminton Essential

The feathers on a shuttlecock help it to fly stable and slow down vertically.

Feathered Projectile

Shuttlecocks are part of ancient games, like the Chinese 'Jiànzi,' not just modern badminton.

Cultural Origins

When used as a verb, it expresses being passed quickly and often, like a physical shuttlecock.

Figurative Use

As a verb, it doesn't involve the actual sport of badminton, but borrows the back-and-forth motion concept.

Not Literal

Often used in business to describe quick, direct transfers or decisions between parties.