# duck out of

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/duck-out-of
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to avoid doing something you are supposed to do, or to leave a place quietly to avoid being noticed.

For teachers: to evade a responsibility or commitment; alternatively, to depart a location or event prematurely and often surreptitiously to avoid social obligation.

## Examples

- I need to duck out of the meeting early for an appointment.
- He tried to duck out of doing the dishes by pretending he had a phone call.
- The senator attempted to duck out of the debate when the questioning turned toward his controversial voting record and recent financial disclosures.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She ducked out the responsibility." but "She ducked out of the responsibility." — the preposition 'of' is mandatory when followed by an object in this sense.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a task, a commitment, or a physical location.
- Teaching tip: the verb 'duck' suggests a physical movement of lowering the head, which helps students visualize the idea of 'hiding' from a responsibility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.