English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Ducks and drakes
Meaning
The idiom "ducks and drakes" refers to a set of objects or situations that are mutually exclusive or have opposite characteristics. It is often used to describe two things that are opposite in some way, such as happy and sad or hot and cold. The phrase originated from the idea that ducks and drakes would be seen together if they were living in a pond, but they would never mate with each other.
Usage
- She had a love-hate relationship with her boss - he was either lovely or a jerk, just like ducks and drakes.
- The weather in the mountains was either very hot during the day and freezing at night, or it was pleasant all day long.
- He loved to eat pizza but couldn't stand sushi - two of his favorite foods were like ducks and drakes.
- The restaurant had a variety of dishes that were either spicy or mild, so everyone could find something they liked.
- The book was either very interesting or very boring, with no middle ground between the two.
Roots and History
The earliest known use of the phrase "ducks and drakes" can be traced back to Middle English in the 14th century. It was originally used as a way to describe two things that were opposite in some way, such as hot and cold or happy and sad. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe any two things that were mutually exclusive or had opposite characteristics.
Synonyms in English
- opposite ends of the spectrum
- yin and yang
- black and white
- fire and ice
- day and night
Synonyms in other languages
- 好 vs.壞 (Chinese) - describes two things that are either good or bad, respectively
- זה vs.שעת (Hebrew) - describes two things that are either good or bad, respectively
- וַיְרֵא מֶנַּחְם מֶנַּחֶם (Hebrew) - describes the mixture of joy and sorrow that can come from a child's birth
- מֶןַּחֶם מֶנַּכֶם (Hebrew) - describes two things that are either joyful or sorrowful, respectively
- אֲשֵׂר מֶןַּחֶם מֶןַּחֶם וַיַּבְטַה אֲשֵׂר (Hebrew) - describes two things that are either joyful or sorrowful, respectively