The saying is about holding a military position, like a fort, a line or a castle. Hence a bouncy castle can jokingly be thought of a military position that needs holding down (when it’s windy). An aircraft isn’t a military position (an airfield might be, they don’t need holding down).
The phrase is typically used to refer to babysitting, i.e., I’ll make sure the kids don’t leave or kill themselves. So the “down” serves a purpose in the present use, regardless of its applicability to historic situations.
“Holding the fort” just meant not letting enemies in
“Holding down the fort” also includes preventing things from getting out of hand
But I like the bouncy castle imagery as it’s less mundane
Also “holding down the fort” instead of “holding the fort” … maybe it’s because they only have bounce castles over there.
Your assumption that bouncy castles are more likely than aircraft is amusing
Huh? What do aircraft have to do with this?
… just as much as bouncy castles?
The saying is about holding a military position, like a fort, a line or a castle. Hence a bouncy castle can jokingly be thought of a military position that needs holding down (when it’s windy). An aircraft isn’t a military position (an airfield might be, they don’t need holding down).
Holding down a b-17 flying fortress?
Ha, very good!
The phrase is typically used to refer to babysitting, i.e., I’ll make sure the kids don’t leave or kill themselves. So the “down” serves a purpose in the present use, regardless of its applicability to historic situations.
“Holding the fort” just meant not letting enemies in
“Holding down the fort” also includes preventing things from getting out of hand
But I like the bouncy castle imagery as it’s less mundane
New idea: flying airstrip! We already have floating airstrips. Or maybe we should take that idea and flip it. Airborne boatyards. Yeah!
Not that novel of an idea. Especially during the cold war there were several concept of launching smaller aircraft from airships or larger aircraft.
Carrier has arrived.
You Must Construct Additional Pylons
Not new. Aircraft carriers exist.