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

Dictionary Entries Near one's ducks in a row

Cite this Entry

“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 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!