🦆 🦆 To get your ducks in a row 🦆 🦆 means to organize your tasks, ideas, or schedule so that you are ready for the next step. There are several theories behind the origin of this expression. Real ducklings, of course, walk in a line behind their parent, and the expression 'ducks in a row' certainly brings that image to mind.
It’s a different case with other idioms in the English language. Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal meanings of their individual words. That means you can't simply translate them into another language, as idioms often have cultural or historical significance that may not directly translate.
Especially in US-American culture, there are numerous idioms linked to sports. 'To be behind the eight ball' means to be in a difficult or disadvantageous position. This idiom originally came from the world of pool (or billiards). In certain variations of the game, getting stuck behind the 8-ball can make your next shot tricky. If you have no knowledge of pool, decoding this idiom might be a challenge.
Be aware of this fact when using idioms in culturally diverse teams where members might have a different mother tongue than you. As people cannot decode the meaning of idioms by just translating, make sure to give a short explanation of the idiom. Still, make use of idioms as they are a vital part of language and culture.
💡What are your favorite idioms in the English language?
💡How often are idioms used in your mother tongue?