Sitting duck

Meaning

The idiom "sitting duck" refers to someone who is easy to target or attack, often because they are not aware of their surroundings or do not take any precautions to protect themselves. It can also refer to someone who is vulnerable or at risk due to their position or circumstances.

Usage

• The burglar saw the sitting duck in front of his house and knew exactly where to break in.
• The politician's controversial comments made him a sitting duck for opponents to attack.
• The hiker was caught off guard by the sudden thunderstorm and found himself stranded on top of a mountain, making him a sitting duck for hypothermia.
• The company's lack of innovation made them a sitting duck for their competitors to take over.
• The employee's poor work ethic and lack of commitment made her a sitting duck for being fired. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in different tenses, such as past, present, or future, to describe someone who was, is, or will be at risk. It can also be used in negative or positive contexts, depending on the outcome of the situation.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "sitting duck" is unclear, but there are several theories about its meaning and usage. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of hunting ducks by sitting at one spot and waiting for them to come within range. Another theory suggests that it originated in military strategy, where a soldier who sat down too far forward could be easily targeted by enemy fire. The idiom's meaning has remained relatively consistent over time, but its usage may have evolved depending on cultural and linguistic changes. In some regions or cultures, the idiom may not be as commonly used or understood, especially if there are different idioms that convey a similar meaning.

Synonyms in English

• Easy target - someone who is vulnerable to being attacked or taken advantage of.
• Low-hanging fruit - something that is easy to get or achieve, often because it requires little effort.
• Soft target - someone who is not well protected or defended, making them an easy target for attack.
• Open book - someone who is honest and transparent about their feelings, thoughts, or intentions, making them vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
• Up against the wall - someone who is in a difficult or risky situation where there are no good options left, and they must make a choice that may not be ideal.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Cible facile" - easy target (similar meaning)
• German: "Leichtgefangen" - captured easily (similar meaning)
• Spanish: "Rústica" - naive or unsuspecting (related meaning)
• Italian: "Abbagliato" - deceived or cheated (related meaning)
• Japanese: "費率的" - cheap or easy to get (similar meaning)

Similar Idioms

• sense of humour

• speak too soon

• sixth sense