A dead duck

noun

A person or thing that is no longer important or effective.

With the emergence of new technologies, old systems are becoming a dead duck.
Visual representation of "a dead duck" - A person or thing that is no longer important or effective

Often appears as...

  • becoming a dead duck
  • declared a dead duck

Usage tips

Colloquial,Idiomatic

noun

A plan or an idea that will not work or succeed.

His proposal to build a new stadium is a dead duck because of funding issues.
Visual representation of "a dead duck" - A plan or an idea that will not work or succeed

Often appears as...

  • plan is a dead duck
  • idea is a dead duck

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A person or thing that is no longer important or effective.

With the emergence of new technologies, old systems are becoming a dead duck.
Visual representation of "a dead duck" - A person or thing that is no longer important or effective

Often appears as...

  • becoming a dead duck
  • declared a dead duck

Usage tips

Colloquial,Idiomatic

noun

A plan or an idea that will not work or succeed.

His proposal to build a new stadium is a dead duck because of funding issues.
Visual representation of "a dead duck" - A plan or an idea that will not work or succeed

Often appears as...

  • plan is a dead duck
  • idea is a dead duck

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a dead duck"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Use

This phrase is a metaphor, not meant to describe an actual duck.

Illustration for Idiomatic Use
After the scandal, the politician was a dead duck in his party.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Context

Best used in casual conversations, not in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Context
When the app crashed constantly, it became a dead duck.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

This phrase might be misunderstood in cultures where idiomatic expressions are uncommon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Make sure you explain what 'a dead duck' means to your foreign colleagues.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Use

This phrase is a metaphor, not meant to describe an actual duck.

Illustration for Idiomatic Use
After the scandal, the politician was a dead duck in his party.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Context

Best used in casual conversations, not in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Context
When the app crashed constantly, it became a dead duck.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

This phrase might be misunderstood in cultures where idiomatic expressions are uncommon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Make sure you explain what 'a dead duck' means to your foreign colleagues.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Use

This phrase is a metaphor, not meant to describe an actual duck.

Illustration for Idiomatic Use
After the scandal, the politician was a dead duck in his party.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Context

Best used in casual conversations, not in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Context
When the app crashed constantly, it became a dead duck.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

This phrase might be misunderstood in cultures where idiomatic expressions are uncommon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Make sure you explain what 'a dead duck' means to your foreign colleagues.
Visual representation of the word "A dead duck"

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