Ducks in a Row

A New Camera?

Before I make a big purchase, I do a lot of research. I believe I have mentioned this before. Well, I think I am ready to purchase a new camera. My old one just isn’t capable of doing everything I want it to do. The Canon R5 is exactly what I need. It isn’t perfect, but it is really good. It will last me a long time. But it is expensive! So, this week I have been getting all my ducks in a row before making this purchase. I have chosen the camera body and I know which lenses I want to buy. Unfortunately, some of the lenses are too expensive and some are not available right now. So, I am going to get an adapter. I can use the lens a friend gave me a while ago before buying one of the lenses I actually want. I am also concerned about my landlord raising the rent again this year, so I need to make sure I keep enough money for that. I think I am ready to buy this camera.

Meaning

Having all your ducks in a row means that you have everything in order. You are well prepared and organized. Ducks often walk in an organized straight line. Have you ever seen ducklings walking behind their mother? Alternative forms of the phrase include: get your ducks in a row, put your ducks in a row, have you ducks in a line, get your ducks in a line.

Example: There is a lot to do before my wedding. I have to get my ducks in a line quickly.

Origin

The exact origin of ducks in a row is not known.  However, there are a number of possible origins of the phrase being proposed. One of them is about real ducks. One is about a carnival game. Another origin is bowling or pool. The phrase dates to 1932 where it first appears as an idiom in writing. It was in the June 13 issue of the Washington Post: “We have a world filled today with problems and we are trying to get our economic ducks in a row.” However, the phrase was not popularized until late 1970s.

Nature

As I mentioned in the definition, you often see ducks walking and swimming in a straight line, especially babies. The ducklings can save energy by swimming in the mother’s wake (the wave that she makes behind her). When a duckling is in the right spot, it can be pushed forward by the waves of its mother or the duckling in front of it. So, the ducklings basically get a free ride.

Carnival

There is also a famous carnival game with ducks in a row. In this game, you have to shoot the ducks to get points. The ducks are moving on a conveyor in a row to make it a little more difficult. So, the goal is to hit all the ducks in a row.

Sports

Bowling pins used to be called ducks. A long time ago, the pins were shorter and wider. They looked a little like ducks, so they got that nickname. Before automated machines, a person would have to set up the pins. You would need to get all your duck in a row before bowling.

Finally, in the game of pool (billiards), a ball that is right in front of a pocket is called a duck. It comes from the idiom, sitting duck, meaning an easy target. I suppose you could have a few of them ready to be pocketed. So, they would be ducks in a row.

Conclusion

Personally, I think the natural explanation is the best. Ducks are found all over the earth. So, it wouldn’t take a genius to observe them walking or swimming in a straight line. I’m sure this phrase started as a simile, “Become organized like a row of ducks.” The simile part of the phrase was likely dropped over time. But that is just my opinion. Which explanation do you prefer?