Get your ducks in a row

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Meaning

Become thoroughly organised and prepared by arranging the necessary details before acting.

Origin

The figurative expression is American and was in print by the late nineteenth century. Merriam-Webster gives 1888 as its first known use, while an independently documented newspaper example appeared in 1889. Nobody has established which literal image supplied the ducks. Ducklings following a parent, fairground shooting targets, wildfowl arranged for a shot, and billiard balls have all been suggested, but none has been proved. The current database story about bowling pins and a 1932 origin is therefore too definite and too late.

Research Sources

  1. One's ducks in a row Merriam-Webster
  2. Ducks in a Row: Origin of Getting Affairs Sorted World Wide Words

Variants

  • Have your ducks in a row
  • Put your ducks in a row

Usage Examples

  • Before applying for the mortgage, we got our ducks in a row and gathered every bank statement.
  • The producer wants the permits, insurance, and crew contracts in place, so put your ducks in a row.
  • Once the council had its ducks in a row, the repair work began without delay.

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