Today we tackle another old English saying that if you were new to the country would make absolutely no sense at all
So what does it mean to say you have ‘your ducks in a row’?
To have your ducks in a row means you’re organised, prepared, and have everything sorted out before you act.
If someone says:
- “Get your ducks in a row before the meeting,”
they mean: make sure all the details, plans, and responsibilities are lined up and ready.
Where does the phrase come from?:
The phrase likely comes from hunting or from watching ducklings follow their mother in a neat line. Either way, the image is the same—nothing chaotic, nothing missing, everything moving in the right order.
How it is it normally used?:
- Planning a big move → paperwork, money, timing all handled
- Starting a project → roles, tools, and goals clear
- Making a decision → you’ve thought it through and covered your bases
It can also carry a gentle warning tone:
“I don’t have my ducks in a row yet”
= “I’m not ready—give me a minute.”
Short version: no loose ends, no scrambling, no surprises 🦆
