Beeline
Beeline turns up in 2 fields: mining, shop slang. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Beeline in mining
A specialized explosive fuse designed to burn at a rapid, precise rate.
A beeline is a fast-burning detonating cord or fuse containing a continuous core of explosive powder. Shotfirers use it to link multiple explosive charges together, ensuring they detonate in a rapid, synchronized sequence. The predictable burn rate allows for precise timing in complex blast patterns.
"Run the beeline across the top of the presplit holes so they all go off exactly together."
Beeline in shop slang
A rapid, direct path taken straight toward a specific destination, ignoring all obstacles or distractions.
Workers take this straight path when they need to reach a tool, a person, or the exit as quickly as possible. It usually happens during an emergency, a sudden breakdown, or the exact moment the shift ends. Moving this way signals urgency and a refusal to stop for casual conversation on the shop floor.
"As soon as the siren went off, the foreman made a beeline for the main breaker panel."