to get ones ducks in a row

American Idiom: get one’s ducks in a row

To get/have one’s ducks in a row – means to take care of one’s responsibilities, often by preparing and organizing. 

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Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, to get one’s ducks in a row

Video Transcript

to get/have one’s ducks in a row

Carol needs to get her ducks in a row before she goes on a vacation.  

To get/have one’s ducks in a row – means to take care of one’s responsibilities, often by preparing and organizing.

Here are example sentences :

We need the project done soon. Let’s have a meeting and get our ducks in a row.

I wish I could go to the movies, but I need to have my ducks in a row for the presentation I have tomorrow.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

The report is due soon. We are busy organizing.

The report is due soon. We are busy getting our ducks in a row. Or, we are busy having our ducks in a row.

Question 2:

I’ve studied very hard for tomorrow’s test. I am prepared.

I’ve studied very hard for tomorrow’s test. I got my ducks in a row. Or, I have my ducks in a row.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I wish we could join you but we have to prepare before our move this weekend.

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Question 2:

Too bad you didn’t prepare before you quit your job.

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