06 Mar What does “a dead duck” mean? Plus other duck sayings

Idioms are those phrases that don’t mean exactly what they say and are used in everyday spoken language. Did you know that there are many common idioms that all refer to ducks but have so many different meanings? Any of these sound familiar?

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck
Something or someone is probably exactly what it seems to be and so we should trust our own judgement about it.

They’re saying the new CEO is very friendly and approachable but I’ve seen him being very aggressive and arrogant to staff. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.

All your ducks in a row
To be very well organised.
Before you go into that Board meeting on Monday, make sure you have all your ducks in a row.

A dead duck
Someone or something that is not successful or useful.
That project was a dead duck from the start.

Someone will be severely punished for something.
If she finds out you’re going to be late delivering the report, you’ll be a dead duck.

Water off a duck’s back
Seemingly very easy; without having any effect.
Insults rolled off Karen like water off a duck’s back.

Sitting duck
Unprotected and could be attacked easily.
This company is a sitting duck. It’s looking like we’re vulnerable to a hostile takeover.

Take to it like a duck to water
To learn to do something easily, quickly and enjoyably.
Jane loves her new job, she’s taken to it like a duck to water.

Lovely weather for ducks
Rainy weather must be good for something.
It’s so rainy today, lovely weather for ducks.

Have you heard any other idioms that have you confused? Let me know in the comments below!