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a dead duck

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a dead duck

 

1. (informal) something or someone that is not successful or useful The project was a dead duck from the start due to a lack of funding. My first agent turned out to be a bit of a dead duck and he failed to find me any work.

2. (American & Australian informal) someone who is going to be punished severely for something they have done If Dad finds out you used the car, you'll be a dead duck.

See also: dead, duck