A dead duck Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɛd/ /ˈdək
uh DED DUHK
æɪ/ /dˈɛd/ /dˈʌk
uh DED DUHK
Definition
If something is 'a dead duck', it means it has no chance of succeeding or is already ruined or useless.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used for plans, projects, or people with no hope of success. Rarely used for living things literally. Sometimes used humorously. Typical pattern: 'is/was a dead duck' or 'that project is a dead duck.'
Spanish: caso perdido - causa perdidaPortuguese (BR): caso perdido - carta fora do baralhoPortuguese (PT): caso perdido - carta fora do baralhoChinese (Simplified): 没有希望的人/事 - 毫无成功可能的人/事Chinese (Traditional): 沒有希望的人/事 - 毫無成功可能的人/事Hindi: नाकाम योजना - असफल प्रयासArabic: أمر خاسر - محاولة فاشلةBengali: না-মরা হাঁস (উন্নতি বা সফলতার কোনো সুযোগ নেই এমন কিছু) - মৃত/ব্যর্থ উদ্যোগRussian: безнадёжное дело - мёртвое делоJapanese: 見込みのないもの - もう終わったものVietnamese: chuyện không còn hy vọng - kế hoạch thất bạiKorean: 가망 없는 일 - 이미 망한 것Turkish: işi bitmiş - umudu kalmamış (kişi ya da iş)Urdu: ناکام منصوبہ - بےسود منصوبہIndonesian: rencana gagal - hal yang sudah tak bisa diselamatkan
Example Sentences
After the changes in law, the old plan became a dead duck.
basic
The project was a dead duck from the start.
basic
With no money left, the event is now a dead duck.
basic
Honestly, after those mistakes, the deal is a dead duck.
natural
They tried to reboot the show, but it was a dead duck with the audience.
natural
Once they lost their sponsor, the team became a dead duck in the league.
natural