Definition: The act of ditching a successful career in fluffy entertainment (usually Disney/Nickelodeon) to become a legit rocket scientist/tech genius/space lawyer, thereby achieving ultimate nerd cred and leaving fans utterly bewildered and impressed. “Everyone expected her to do pop music forever, but nah, she pulled the full Mendler Maneuver – got a PhD and now builds satellites that monitor space weather. Iconic.” Usage: Reserved for the most impressive glow-ups from teen idol to STEM powerhouse. Out-nerding NASA after out-singing Hannah Montana.