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on deck

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on deck

 

1. Lit. on the deck of a boat or a ship. Everyone except the cook was on deck when the storm hit. Just pull up the anchor and leave it on deck.

2. Fig. ready (to do something); ready to be next (at something). Ann, get on deck. You're next. Who's on deck now?

See also: deck, on

on deck

ready or available The TV audience expects something good on deck after the news.

Etymology: based on the idea of being on the deck (flat surface) of a ship, ready for whatever must be done

See also: deck, on

on deck

 

1. (American & Australian) if someone is on deck, they are present and ready to do something Bill's batting next - tell him to get on deck. Ann, if you can be on deck at 9.00 I'll give you a lift to the meeting.

2. (Australian informal) alive Don't tell me old Bill's still on deck. I thought he died years ago.

See stack the deck, hit the deck

See also: deck, on

on deck

1. Available, ready for action, as in We had ten kids on deck to clean up after the dance. [Slang; second half of 1800s]

2. In baseball, scheduled to bat next, waiting near home plate to bat, as in Joe was on deck next. [1860s] Both usages allude to crew members being on the deck of a ship, in readiness to perform their duties.

See also: deck, on

on deck

1. On hand; present.

2. Sports Waiting to take one's turn, especially as a batter in baseball.

See also: deck, on