Duck down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdək/ /ˈdaʊn

DUHK-down

UK

dˈʌk/ /dˈaʊn

DUK-down

Definition

To quickly lower your head or body, usually to avoid being hit or seen.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in spoken English. It always involves quick movement, usually for protection or to hide. Key collocations: 'duck down behind', 'ducked down when'. Do not confuse with 'duck' (the bird or movement alone) or 'down' (the direction or position by itself).

• Spanish: agacharse rápidamente - esquivar (agachándose)
• Portuguese (BR): abaixar-se rapidamente - esquivar-se (abaixando)
• Portuguese (PT): baixar-se rapidamente - esquivar-se (abaixando)
• Chinese (Simplified): 迅速蹲下 - 低头闪避
• Chinese (Traditional): 迅速蹲下 - 低頭閃避
• Hindi: झुक जाना (तेज़ी से बचने के लिए)
• Arabic: ينخفض بسرعة - ينحني لتفادي شيء
• Bengali: হঠাৎ নিচু হয়ে পড়া - এড়িয়ে যাওয়ার জন্য নিচু হওয়া
• Russian: резко пригнуться - уклониться (наклонясь вниз)
• Japanese: すばやくかがむ - しゃがんで避ける
• Vietnamese: cúi xuống nhanh - né (bằng cách cúi người xuống)
• Korean: 재빨리 숙이다 - 피해 숙이다
• Turkish: hızla eğilmek - eğilerek sakınmak
• Urdu: جھک جانا (اچانک بچنے کے لیے)
• Indonesian: merunduk cepat - menghindar dengan menunduk

Example Sentences

He had to duck down to avoid the flying ball.

basic

Please duck down so others behind you can see.

basic

The children ducked down when they played hide and seek.

basic

"Quick, duck down! Someone's coming!"

natural

I saw the police and instantly ducked down behind a parked car.

natural

You better duck down or you'll be on camera!

natural