lame duck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lame duck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to describe someone who is no longer effective in their position of authority, typically due to their impending retirement or removal from office. For example: "The outgoing President was viewed as a lame duck for the last few months of his term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He's a lame duck.

The New York Times

Lame duck moment?

The Guardian

Rudy's a lame duck.

The New York Times - Sports

But a lame duck is a lame duck.

The New York Times

Dave is a lame duck".

The New York Times

"I'm not a lame duck".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I hated lame-duck sessions.

The New York Times

And so it is... a lame-duck franchise, a lame-duck coach, a lame-duck team.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyway, the lame-duck concern is exaggerated.

The New Yorker

Lame-duck emperors could have worse days.

The New York Times

And so does the lame-duck governor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lame duck" to specifically describe an individual (typically a politician) or entity whose power is diminished due to an upcoming departure or inability to seek re-election. It accurately conveys a sense of limited influence and pending transition.

Common error

Avoid using "lame duck" to describe general incompetence or disability unrelated to a fixed term or impending departure. The phrase carries a specific connotation related to transitions of power, so be accurate when you use it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lame duck" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to modify another noun (e.g., "lame duck session", "lame duck president"). According to Ludwig AI, it describes a person or thing that is ineffective or disabled, particularly an elected official nearing the end of their term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lame duck" is a common idiom primarily used in news and media to describe someone, often a politician, whose power or influence has diminished due to an upcoming departure from office. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage. While generally neutral in register, the phrase carries a connotation of ineffectiveness and pending transition. When using "lame duck", it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with an impending departure, not simply general incompetence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outgoing official

Focuses specifically on the impending departure from office.

waning influence

Highlights the decreasing power or impact.

powerless figure

Emphasizes the lack of authority or control.

sitting duck

Implies vulnerability and exposure to criticism or attacks.

short-timer

Informal term emphasizing the limited time remaining.

ineffectual leader

Highlights the lack of ability to produce desired results.

one foot out the door

Idiomatic expression describing someone preparing to leave.

end of the line

Describes the conclusion of a career or term.

declining power

Focuses on the loss of strength or authority.

toothless tiger

Implies a lack of real power despite outward appearances.

FAQs

What does "lame duck" mean in politics?

In politics, "lame duck" refers to an elected official whose successor has already been elected or who is not running for reelection. This period is typically between the election and the inauguration of the new official, and the "lame duck" official's power and influence are often diminished.

How can I use "lame duck" in a sentence?

You can use "lame duck" to describe someone who is in a position of authority, but whose power is diminished due to their impending departure. For example: "The president is considered a "lame duck" after the recent election results".

What are some synonyms for "lame duck"?

Some synonyms for "lame duck" include "outgoing official", "powerless figure", or "waning influence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "lame duck"?

Whether it's appropriate to call someone a "lame duck" depends on the context and your relationship with the person. While it's a common term, it can be seen as dismissive or negative, especially if used directly to or about the individual. Consider using it in a neutral, descriptive way rather than as a personal attack.