ɡɛt jɔːr dʌks ɪn ə roʊ
Business
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To arrange ducks in a straight line
What does "get your ducks in a row" mean?
- To organize all aspects of a situation before proceeding
- To make preparations and have everything in order
Examples
- Before the audit, we need to get our ducks in a row.
- Get your ducks in a row before applying for the mortgage.
- I've got all my ducks in a row for the presentation tomorrow.
Origin
Several theories exist: from bowling (lining up duck pins), from mother ducks leading ducklings in a row, or from carnival shooting galleries with duck targets.
How to use it
Common in business contexts. Emphasizes careful preparation before important events or decisions.
Similar expressions
get organized
prepare thoroughly
have everything ready
Opposites
be unprepared
be disorganized
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- get up to speed
To become fully informed about a situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get your ducks in a row" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.