I need to line up my ducks before I start the project.
line up one's ducks
idiomTo organize one's affairs so that one is ready to act efficiently.
Origin
disputed originUnknown. Most likely a reference to the line of ducks in a shooting gallery.
She spent the entire weekend lining up her ducks so the presentation would go perfectly on Monday morning.
Before launching the ambitious international expansion, the executive insisted that the team line up their ducks to ensure every logistical detail was perfectly prepared.
- 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.