I need to duck out of this meeting early.
duck out
idiomTo depart quickly or exit abruptly, especially in a manner which does not attract notice and before a meeting, event, etc. has concluded.
Origin
disputed originPossibly an allusion to the abrupt manner in which a swimming duck can dive and disappear beneath the surface of the water, or from duck (“lower the head or body”) as to avoid notice.
The party was too loud, so I decided to duck out before anyone noticed I was gone.
Sensing that the conversation was turning toward an uncomfortable topic, he quietly ducked out of the room while the others were distracted.
- 01
all duck or no dinner
All or nothing.
- 02
break one's duck
To do something for the first time.
- 03
dead duck
One who is in serious danger or trouble.
- 04
duck down
To crouch in order to hide or protect oneself.
- 05
duck off
To lie low; to hide.
- 06
duck soup
Something which is easy; a piece of cake.
- 07
odd duck
An unusual person, especially one with an idiosyncratic personality or peculiar behavioral characteristics.
- 08
sitting duck
An obvious, vulnerable target.