Get one's ducks in a row
Meaning
To organize one's affairs or tasks methodically and prepare thoroughly for an upcoming event or situation.
Origin
In the bustling target shooting galleries of early 20th-century America, a common sight was a row of mechanical duck targets moving across the range. For a successful game, or after a round, an attendant would often meticulously reset or arrange these metal ducks into a perfect, straight line, ensuring they were "in a row" and ready for the next shooter. This precise act of mechanical preparation and alignment for a specific task quickly became a vivid metaphor for organizing one's own affairs, tasks, or thoughts, preparing everything methodically before undertaking an important venture.
Examples
- Before starting the new project, she made sure to get all her ducks in a row, reviewing every document and assigning roles.
- You can't expect to pass the exam if you haven't gotten your ducks in a row with your study schedule and notes.