have one's ducks in a row
To be organized; to have one's affairs in order; specifically, to have a multiperson effort coordinated towards the exact same goal.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Make sure you have your ducks in a row before the meeting.”
“I need to have my ducks in a row before I start my tax return.”
“The project manager insisted that every team member have their ducks in a row before we launched the new website.”
“We cannot sign the lease for the new apartment until we have our ducks in a row regarding the security deposit and references.”
“The wedding planner worked hard to ensure the caterers and the band had their ducks in a row before the guests arrived at the reception.”
“Before presenting the proposal to the board, she spent weeks ensuring that every department head had their ducks in a row to guarantee a unified strategy.”
disputed origin
Probably from the image of ducklings following their mother in an orderly line, the phrase is a relatively modern addition to the lexicon with no confirmed historical namesake or specific date of origin. The visual of aquatic birds in a singular file remains the most likely source for the idiom.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026