Ducks in a Row - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

The act of using suitable idioms while conversing in English will surely enhance the way a person conveys their message. One of the most commonly used idioms is ‘Ducks in a Row.’ This idiom means to be a well-prepared person and everything organised right before they start anything important.

Here, we are about to learn the idiom’s origin, perfect usage, and so much more to help you stand out from the crowd in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests! 

Meaning of the Idiom ‘Ducks in a Row’ 

This idiom, “ducks in a row”, means to be well-organised and fully prepared right before starting anything important. It also refers to planning and organising important tasks efficiently. 

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests, using this idiom plays a good role when explaining time management, working efficiency, preparation, or even organising events. 

For example:

• “Right before taking the IELTS exam, I made sure that I had all my ducks in a row by scheduling mock tests and reviewing my areas of improvement.”

Using this idiom will help you show clarity, fluency, and flexibility in using phrases which are the qualities of an ideal candidate that the examiners love to hear.

Where Did the Idiom ‘Ducks in a Row’ Come From?

One simple theory is that the mother ducks naturally organise their ducklings into a proper and straight row when crossing water or land. This orderly behaviour resembles a good amount of preparation and coordination.

In addition, it was initially believed that the phrase originated in the 1970s, in Stephen King’s novel The Stand, in 1978, where he used the expression, “line up one’s ducks.” It was later found in a 1932 edition of the Washington Post. The earliest reference that we know of, however, is from a November 1889 issue of The Plaindealer.

Now, in the early 1900s, bowling pins were much shorter and fatter than the modern ones and were called “ducks” because they looked like, well, ducks(duh!). Furthermore, this was before automatic resetting machines, so they had to manually reset the pins in neat rows between rounds. Having “one’s ducks in a row” meant the bowler was ready to send the next ball down the alley.

Synonyms of the ‘Ducks in a Row’ Idiom

• Being well-prepared
• Getting organized
• Putting things in order
• Setting things straight
• Being all set beforehand
• Having everything arranged
• Being fully sorted

Antonyms of the ‘Ducks in a Row’ Idiom

• Being disorganized
• Being unprepared
• Having things in chaos
• Being scattered
• Not having a proper plan
• Acting impulsively

Some Sentence Examples Based on the ‘Ducks in a Row’ Idiom

1. The cops are coming to my place for my passport verification, and I need to have all my ducks in a row to make sure everything goes smoothly.
2. The lawyer had all his ducks in a row for his big defence of the murder-accused rapper MC Thug.
3. I need to have all my ducks in a row for the big presentation tomorrow. 
4. The mayor’s chief of staff had to have all his ducks in a row for the official statement before the mayor’s re-election campaign.
5. As the minister’s permanent secretary, I have to have all my ducks in a row for any possible questions I might get in the inquiry hearing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the ‘Ducks in a Row’ Idiom

1. Using it literally 

Remember, this idiom has nothing to do with actual ducks.

2. Mixing up the phrase 

The correct usage of the idiom is “have your ducks in a row,” and not “ducks in rows” or “ducks row.”

3. Overusing it in the formal IELTS essays 

This idiom is best suited for the IELTS Speaking and semi-formal letter writing, and not in highly academic IELTS essays like the ones in Writing task 2. 

4. Applying it in the wrong context 

Using it specifically for situations that involve planning and organisation will make you sound strong. You must not use it to describe random actions.

5. Incorrect grammar usage

Examples of correct usage:

• “I have to get my ducks in a row.”
• “She already has her ducks in a row.”

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Ducks in a Row’

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, if you are asked to describe a time when you prepared for something crucial, you can say:

“Before my university entrance exam, I ensured that I had all my ducks in a row. I did a full background research about the institution thoroughly, practised mock tests and interviews with my teacher, and reviewed all of my academic achievements.

This kind of preparation offered me a lot of confidence when I stepped into the actual interview.”

This answer will show your ability to use the idiom naturally and simultaneously as you are showcasing your organisational skills.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the ‘Ducks in a Row’ Idiom in Sentences

1. If you are eager to start a business, you must have your ducks in a row beforehand.
2. She always tries to get her ducks in a row before exams by preparing a study schedule.
3. Our company had all its ducks in a row before launching the new design.
4. She didn’t have her ducks in a row, which is why her entire project failed.
5. He likes to have his ducks in a row at work, so he never misses any of his deadlines.

These examples show exactly how the idiom is used to describe organisation and readiness.

Also Check:

• 25 Common Idioms in IELTS Speaking  
• Common Idioms List for IELTS Speaking  
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+