10 duck idioms to help you get into the swim of things on your next essay
- Hong Kong may no longer have the beloved 18-metre double ducks in Victoria Harbour, but their memory can live on in your vocabulary
- Get your ducks in a row with these 10 phrases inspired by these adorable yellow birds
What a lucky duck! Photo: May TseEven as the two giant rubber ducks have left Hong Kong, they have waddled their way into our hearts. Why not use the opportunity to learn some idioms inspired by these adorable yellow creatures?
1. Duck soup
Meaning: something that is easy to do or accomplish
Example: Fixing the car will be duck soup for anyone with the right tools.
2. All duck or no dinner
Meaning: all or nothing
Example: We’ve got one last chance to secure an investor for the company, so it’s all duck or no dinner with this meeting!
20 dog idioms that will make your writing a howling success
3. Duck out
Meaning: to leave quickly or secretly
Example: My friend wanted to duck out after the first 10 minutes of the movie because it was so boring.
4. Get one’s ducks in a row
Meaning: to be well prepared or well organised for something that is going to happen
Example: They should have got their ducks in a row beforehand, so they were ready to start the job when required.
5. Like water off a duck’s back
Meaning: criticisms, warnings, insults etc do not have an effect on someone
Example: I’ve told him that he’s heading for trouble, but he doesn’t listen – it’s just water off a duck’s back.
6. Take to something like a duck to water
Meaning: to discover that you are naturally good at something or that you find it very easy to do
Example: He took to fatherhood like a duck to water.
10 rabbit idioms to help your writing improve by leaps and bounds
7. Sitting duck
Meaning: a person or thing with no protection against an attack or other source of danger
Example: With their bullets all used up, the soldiers were sitting ducks for the enemy.
8. Lucky duck
Meaning: an incredibly lucky person
Example: Everyone on the trip got soaked in the rain except for John – that lucky duck.
9. To duck and cover
Meaning: to hide from or try to avoid something or someone that you do not want to deal with
Example: Now that the exams are over, if you need a break from school stress, this is your chance to duck and cover with a good summer read.
10. To milk a duck
Meaning: used in comparison to tasks or activities that are or seem to be impossible
Example: Trying to get a straight answer out of this politician is proving harder than milking a duck.