In the stratosphere

Origin

The term "stratosphere" itself emerged from scientific exploration in the early 20th century, specifically defined by French meteorologist Léon Teisserenc de Bort in 1902 to describe the stable, layered region of Earth's atmosphere above the turbulent troposphere. As aviation technology advanced, allowing planes and later rockets to reach these once-unthinkable altitudes, the "stratosphere" ceased to be purely a scientific concept. It transformed into a powerful, evocative symbol of extreme elevation and achievement. This new understanding of reaching literal immense heights quickly bled into everyday language, making "in the stratosphere" a vivid, punchy way to describe anything—from prices to fame—that had ascended to an unprecedented, seemingly untouchable level.