one's ducks in a row

idiomatic phrase

—used figuratively in phrases like have one's ducks in a row, get one's ducks in a row, or put one's ducks in a row to describe being or becoming thoroughly organized

Her program's 10-week curriculum … uses a budget book to help first-timers get their financial ducks in a row.—

Eileen Jenkins

I'm to prepare for a formal review in two weeks. Reserve a conference room. Get all my ducks in a row.—

Chuck Palahniuk

The association was set to move forward last spring, then realized it didn't have its ducks in a row and essentially requested a Congressional bailout.—

Pat Forde

I was sure I had all of my ducks in a row before the event finally arrived. Somehow, it didn't turn out as planned.—

Jerry Carlson

… had prepared for a year, meeting with institutional investors and putting its ducks in a row for public scrutiny for months …—

Alex Konrad

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of one's ducks in a row was in 1888

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near one's ducks in a row

one's conscience pricks (oneself)

one's ducks in a row

one's elders and betters

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“One's ducks in a row.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%27s%20ducks%20in%20a%20row. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

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