idioms using “duck”

A dead duck

A failure

“Our most recent proposal is a dead duck. We had better start on a new one immediately.”

Take to something like a duck to water

To do something naturally and easily

“She took to computer programming like a duck to water.”

A sitting duck

An easy target

“Some elderly people are sitting ducks for salesmen offering questionable pensions schemes.”

Get one’s ducks in a row

To be organized and prepared

“We have to get our ducks in a row before we present this to the board of directors.”

A lame duck (usually a politician or executive)

To have little power because one’s period of office is about to end

“Because he is a lame duck due to his retirement next month, everyone is ignoring his proposals.”