ducks and drakes

[duhks uhn dreyks]

noun

1. Also a pastime in which flat stones or shells are thrown across water so as to skip over the surface several times before sinking.

ducks and drakes

noun

1. a game in which a flat stone is bounced across the surface of water

2. to use recklessly; squander or waste

Word History and Origins

Origin of ducks and drakes¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from a fancied likeness to a waterfowl's movements

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. play ducks and drakes with, to handle recklessly; squander: Also make ducks and drakes of.

   He played ducks and drakes with his fortune.