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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Get your ducks in a row

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To organise everything and prepare properly before something happens.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. We need to get our ducks in a row before applying for the grant.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To organise everything and prepare properly before something happens.
Show the answer

Get your ducks in a row — To organise everything and prepare properly before something happens.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Get your ducks in a row” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

To organise everything and prepare properly before something happens.

Compare: We need to get our ducks in a row before applying for the grant.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it conversationally before an application, meeting, trip or project that needs several things ready.

More examples in context

  • She got her ducks in a row by checking the documents and confirming the appointment.
  • Get your ducks in a row before you announce the launch date.

Usage note

Get your ducks in a row describes becoming prepared; have your ducks in a row describes being prepared. Change your to match the subject.

A short conversation

A: Are we ready to present the proposal?
B: We need to get our ducks in a row first. The figures still need checking.
A: I will check them this afternoon.

One more practice question

Who has their ducks in a row before an interview?

A. A candidate who has prepared their documents, route and answers.
B. A candidate who has not checked the time or prepared anything.

Check your answer

A. The candidate has organised the important details in advance.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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