duck out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘duck out’ mean?
The idiom "duck out" means to leave a place or situation quickly or secretly, often to avoid something or someone. It implies a sudden or sneaky departure.
Idiom Explorer
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Unavoidable Evasion
The idiom "duck out" is a commonly used phrase in American English, with several established meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One possible meaning of this idiom is to leave or exit a place quickly or stealthily, often to avoid or escape from something or someone. It can also refer to avoiding involvement in a situation or responsibility.
Another related idiom is "duck down", which means to lower oneself quickly or hide in order to avoid being seen or hit by something. This phrase is often used in the context of physical safety or protection.
Additionally, "duck out" can be used to describe a sudden and unexpected disappearance or disappearance without notice. This can be related to the idiom "get out of Dodge", which means to leave a place or situation quickly to avoid trouble or danger. Both phrases convey a sense of urgency and the need to escape.
Furthermore, "duck out" can also be used to describe declining an invitation or opportunity. This can be compared to the idiom "break out", which means to escape or leave a situation or place. Both phrases highlight the desire to avoid participation or being involved.
Lastly, "duck out" can be related to the idiom "fly the coop", which means to leave or escape from a place or situation, particularly one that is confining or restrictive. Both phrases emphasize a sudden departure or escape.
The origin and etymology of the phrase "duck out" are not clear-cut, with no definitive source or explanation.
Some sources suggest that it may be related to the literal act of ducks quickly and quietly leaving a pond or body of water by diving underwater. This sudden disappearance could have been metaphorically associated with the act of leaving a situation abruptly or discreetly.
Another possible origin could come from the behavior and movements of ducks, known for their ability to quickly evade danger by swiftly flying away or hiding in tall grass or brush. This behavior may have been adopted in the metaphorical sense to describe someone's quick departure or avoidance of a situation.
Usage of the idiom "duck out" can be found in a variety of contexts, ranging from everyday conversation to informal writing.
It is particularly common in spoken language and casual interactions, such as among friends or in informal workplace settings.
The phrase is also frequently used in entertainment media, including books, movies, and television shows, to depict characters leaving or avoiding situations.
Due to its colloquial nature, "duck out" may not be as commonly used in formal or academic discourse.
The idiom "duck out" has multiple meanings, including leaving a place quickly, declining an invitation or opportunity, or disappearing without notice.
The precise origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it may be related to the behavior and movements of ducks.
Despite its informal nature, the phrase is widely understood and used in everyday speech.
As with many idioms, "duck out" invites further exploration and speculation into its etymology and cultural significance.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom 'duck out' can be used in a sentence:
- He's always ducking out of his responsibilities at work.
- When the meeting became too intense, she decided to duck out early.
- We had plans to go out, but he suddenly ducked out at the last minute.
More "Verb" idioms
