a sitting duck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sitting duck" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is easy to attack or take advantage of. Example: The company's outdated security system made them a sitting duck for hackers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So Prentice has become a sitting duck.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm a sitting duck for crackpots.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a sitting duck.

The Guardian

I was a sitting duck.

The Guardian - Sport

Novel-wise you're a sitting duck.

The Guardian

Beyond that, it was a sitting duck.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The district becomes a sitting duck," Ms. Norton said.

The New York Times

Maybe Hugo was just too much of a sitting duck.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hatch has also refused to be a sitting duck.

The New York Times

But he was in the position of a sitting duck.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This way, their community can be a 'sitting duck' for any potential spread of any vaccine preventable disease.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: while common in journalism, ensure the idiom's somewhat informal tone fits the gravity of your subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using ""a sitting duck"" when you actually mean a "dead duck". A ""a sitting duck"" is someone who is currently vulnerable to an attack that has not yet happened, whereas a "dead duck" refers to someone or something that has already failed or is certain to fail regardless of any future actions.

How to use

Learn how to use "a sitting duck" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""a sitting duck"" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative following a linking verb (e.g., "he is a sitting duck") or as the object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to characterize a subject's state of extreme vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""a sitting duck"" remains a highly effective and ubiquitous idiom in modern English. Based on data from Ludwig, it is exceptionally common in high-authority news sources, where it is used to describe everything from physical buildings at risk of demolition to politicians facing scandal. Its power lies in its immediate visual impact, conveying a sense of defenselessness that literal synonyms often lack. While users should be careful not to confuse it with a "dead duck", the expression is a versatile tool for any writer looking to highlight a critical weakness or a lack of protection in a concise, impactful way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy target

Shifts the focus from the state of the subject to the ease with which an attacker can succeed.

vulnerable

A more formal and direct adjective that removes the bird-hunting metaphor.

a soft target

Often used in military, security, or corporate contexts to describe a lack of robust defenses.

fair game

Suggests that the subject is not only easy to attack but also that the attack is considered permissible or inevitable.

defenseless

Emphasizes the total lack of protection or ability to fight back.

exposed

Highlights the lack of cover or secrecy rather than just the lack of weaponry or defense.

unprotected

A simple, literal description of a lack of safeguard.

at someone's mercy

Focuses on the power imbalance between the subject and a potential aggressor.

a clay pigeon

A more specific shooting metaphor, often used in competitive or predatory contexts.

wide open

Suggests a total lack of barriers or restrictions, often used in sports or strategic planning.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "a sitting duck"?

Being ""a sitting duck"" means you are in a position where you are very easy to attack, criticize, or take advantage of. It is an idiomatic way of saying someone is "vulnerable" or an "easy target".

Can I use "a sitting duck" in a formal business report?

While it appears in business contexts like The Economist, it is an idiom. For a more formal tone, you might prefer "exposed to risk" or "highly vulnerable".

What is the difference between "a sitting duck" and "fair game"?

A ""a sitting duck"" emphasizes helplessness and ease of attack. "fair game" implies that the person or topic is now considered legitimate to be criticized or pursued by everyone.

Is "a sitting duck" an insult?

Not necessarily. It usually describes a situation or a tactical position rather than a personal character flaw. However, calling a person ""a sitting duck"" can imply they are naive or poorly prepared.