If you think that balls to the wall makes reference to testicles, well, you have another think coming*. Back in the 1960s, an aircraft’s engine controls were on levers with ball-shaped grips. When the pilot grabbed those grips and pushed them as far forward as possible, like, to the firewall in front, it applied maximum power to the engines. Sorta like pedal to the metal in car-speak.

I was surprised to learn the true meaning of this idiom, and when I did find out I knew I had to tell all my pilot friends. I’ve spent most of my career in the aerospace industry. Even though I get motion sick, but only during take-off, landing, and while in-flight, I’m intrigued by anything with electronics that leaves the ground and returns safely.

My first foray into this field involved miniaturizing the electronics needed for a self-guided rocket. This project was the epitome of not using GPS and not asking for directions, but using other means to know where it was going, especially when where it was going was also on the move—if you get my drift. I got to work with a lot of rocket scientists, who deserve every snide remark and joke ever made about them.

My next project involved equipment on helicopters that warned our pilots when a bad guy launched something that was going to ruin their day—if you get my drift. Pilots were very appreciative of this equipment, and when these young airmen visited our company to tell stories of how our equipment saved their lives and the lives of their crew, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with geniuses who were asked to bend the laws of physics to get a job done and succeeded in their mission. It’s worth a mention that this ability often came at the expense of social skills. My favorite remark was at an in-person meeting of two of such guys after they worked remotely with each other for years: “It’s great to finally meet you! Do you know where you are on the spectrum?” He was referring to the autism spectrum, of course. And they both knew where they were, of course.

A simple Google search will bring you to an autism spectrum test that includes questions about looking into people’s eyes during conversation, routines, fidgeting, and trouble understanding idioms. So, if you’re reading this, you’re likely to be on the low side of the autism spectrum, unless you’re the guys mentioned above.

I’m currently in the swan song my career, and lucky enough to work with NASA folks. It’s easy to understand that they combine genius, spectrum symptoms and balls to the wall work ethic. And I’m sure the guys and gals who wear those orange suits during their launch to the moon—and beyond—appreciate each of those qualities very much. *another think coming is actually correct even though it seems like it should be another thing coming, which is not correct because what is the first thing anyway?