get your ducks in a row

USAGE SUMMARY

"get your ducks in a row" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of getting organized, usually before starting a task or project. For example, "Before submitting your proposal, make sure to get your ducks in a row and double-check all the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"You can get away from work if you get your ducks in a row ahead of time," she said.

The New York Times

"I've never worked in New Jersey before, but the textbook says if you're unopposed in the primary, you use that time to get your ducks in a row".

The New York Times

"The Secretary, as a former senator, is very attuned to the appointments process, and she knows you have to get your ducks in a row and you have to move fast to get your people confirmed," the aide said.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes it takes a few extra months to get your ducks in a row," particularly if there are mistakes or blemishes on your credit report, said Gene Tricozzi, the president of Northern Funding Corporation, a mortgage brokerage in Clifton Park, N.Y.

The New York Times

When you team up with another business for a joint venture, get your ducks in a row first.

Forbes

You don't know if the meeting will go as planned, but you get your ducks in a row anyway.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you haven't got your ducks in a row you don't make it.

BBC

Not getting all your ducks in a row before telling your spouse you want out.

HuffPost

Get your CX ducks in a row while others catch up.

Forbes

This Week's Question: Are your ducks in a row?

The New York Times

With the right expertise on your side, you can feel confident you've got your legal ducks in a row as you're getting down to business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the idiom "get your ducks in a row", ensure the context involves planning and organization, not just general action. For example, "Before launching the marketing campaign, get your ducks in a row by finalizing the budget and target audience."

Common error

Avoid using "get your ducks in a row" when simply referring to starting a task without preparation. It's not synonymous with "begin" or "start", for example: "Instead of just jumping into the project, take some time to "get your ducks in a row" first and figure out your strategy."

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "get your ducks in a row" primarily functions as a directive, urging someone to prepare and organize themselves before proceeding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use, serving to emphasize the importance of being well-prepared.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get your ducks in a row" is a correct and relatively common idiomatic phrase used to advise or encourage thorough preparation and organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for neutral registers, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. While it is not overly formal, its figurative nature makes it less common in academic or scientific writing. To avoid misusing it, ensure the context involves planning and organization rather than just initiating action. Understanding its nuance will help you use "get your ducks in a row" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get organized

Focuses on the act of organizing, omitting the idiomatic nuance.

prepare thoroughly

Emphasizes the depth of preparation, rather than the sequential aspect implied by the original phrase.

plan ahead

Stresses the anticipation and planning aspect, without the implication of tidiness or order.

sort things out

Highlights resolving confusion or disorder, a component of getting ducks in a row.

straighten things out

Similar to 'sort things out', but with a stronger emphasis on fixing problems or errors.

coordinate efforts

Emphasizes teamwork and synchronization, useful to get ducks in a row in project management.

set the stage

Focuses on preparing a situation for a specific event or outcome.

lay the groundwork

Highlights building a foundation or necessary prerequisites.

establish a system

Emphasizes creating structure and routine for efficiency.

make preparations

Is a more formal alternative, and lacks the colorful imagery of the original idiom.

FAQs

How can I use "get your ducks in a row" in a sentence?

Use "get your ducks in a row" when you want to convey the importance of being well-prepared and organized before starting something, as in, "Before the audit, make sure you "get your ducks in a row" with all the financial records".

What does it mean to "get your ducks in a row"?

To "get your ducks in a row" means to organize things properly, to be well prepared, and to have everything in order before proceeding with a task or project. It suggests a meticulous approach to planning and execution.

Which is correct, "get your ducks in a row" or "get all your ducks in a row"?

Both phrases are correct and commonly used, though ""get your ducks in a row"" is more prevalent. "Get all your ducks in a row" emphasizes completeness of preparation.

What are some alternatives to "get your ducks in a row"?

Alternatives to ""get your ducks in a row"" include phrases like "get organized", "prepare thoroughly", or "plan ahead", depending on the context.