If you describe someone or something as a dead duck, you are emphasizing that you think they have absolutely no chance of succeeding. [informal, emphasis]
What does the saying dead duck mean?
one that is doomed
Definition of dead duck
: one that is doomed.
Where did the expression dead duck come from?
The phrase “dead duck” is an Americanism from the 1830s, originally it was political slang referring to a person who has lost influence or power and was therefore useless. In fact, it was used in conversation without hesitation by the 1840s.
What is another word for dead duck?
What is another word for dead duck?
| dead loss | debacle |
|---|---|
| botch | catastrophe |
| defeat | disaster |
| flop | hash |
| damp squib | fail |
What does it mean to duck someone?
transitive verb. 1 : to lower (the head, the body, etc.) quickly : bow. 2 : avoid, evade duck the issue. 3 British : to thrust (someone or something) underwater : dunk.
What does the idiom dead in the water mean?
Unable to function or move; inoperable. For example, Without an effective leader, our plans for expansion are dead in the water. Originally referring to a crippled ship, this colloquialism was soon applied more broadly.
What is clear as a bell?
Definition of (as) clear as a bell
: very clear Clear as a bell, I heard him say my name. It was clear as a bell that morning—not a cloud in the sky. The water was as clear as a bell. : very clearly.
What’s the meaning hold your horses?
idiom old-fashioned informal. used to tell someone to stop and consider carefully their decision or opinion about something: Just hold your horses, Bill! Let’s think about this for a moment.
What does a bear with a sore head mean?
in a bad mood
idiom informal (US also like a (real) bear) to be in a bad mood that causes you to treat other people badly and complain a lot: You’re like a bear with a sore head this morning.
What is the meaning of the idiom at the eleventh hour?
Definition of eleventh hour
: the latest possible time before it is too late still making changes at the eleventh hour.
What does duck mean in British slang?
dear
‘Duck’ is generally used by people talking to those younger than or the same age as themselves. In some ways it functions like the word ‘dear’. Feifei. But it’s not a phrase that all native English speakers use.
What does ? mean in text?
Duck
What does ? Duck emoji mean? Ducks are cute, and this emoji also fits the bill ?. On most platforms, it’s seen as a mallard, in white, brown, and green.
What does blood in the water mean?
exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability
blood in the water (uncountable) (idiomatic) In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, and/or enhanced expectation of victory by the other(s).
What does play fast and loose mean?
Definition of play fast and loose
: to behave in a clever and dishonest way —usually + with He was accused of playing fast and loose with the truth.
What does it mean to be in hot water?
trouble
: a difficult or dangerous situation : trouble entry 1 sense 4 —used with in or into But this poor fellow was always getting into hot water, and if there was a wrong way of doing a thing, was sure to hit upon it.— Richard Henry Dana Jr.
What does the saying high as a kite mean?
very drunk or intoxicated
Definition of as high as a kite
informal. : greatly affected by alcohol or drugs : very drunk or intoxicated The driver was as high as a kite.
What is cup of tea meaning?
Definition of cup of tea
1 : something one likes or excels in I see already that storytelling isn’t my cup of tea— John Barth also : a person suited to one’s taste. 2 : a thing to be reckoned with : matter poltergeists are a different cup of tea— D. B. W. Lewis.
What does the idiom a wet blanket mean?
: one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure.
What is the meaning of I smell a rat?
Suspect something is wrong
smell a rat. Suspect something is wrong, especially a betrayal of some kind. For example, When I didn’t hear any more from my prospective employer, I began to smell a rat. This expression alludes to a cat sniffing out a rat. [
What does the idiom have a cow mean?
to become very angry, upset
Definition of have a cow
slang. : to become very angry, upset, etc. Don’t have a cow! I said I’d take care of the problem and I will.
What does fish out of water mean?
A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [ Late 1300s]
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.