dead duck

noun

1. a person or thing that is beyond help, redemption, or hope.

   One more missed opportunity and this whole enterprise is a dead duck.

dead duck

noun

1. slang,  a person or thing doomed to death, failure, etc, esp because of a mistake or misjudgment

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead duck¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; originally, in political slang, a person who has lost influence or power and is therefore useless; perhaps from the proverb “never waste powder on a dead duck”

Idioms and Phrases

A person doomed to failure or death; a hopeless case. For example, If they can't find a heart to transplant soon, he's a dead duck . [1940s]

A useless, worthless, or outmoded person or thing. For example, They didn't interview the outgoing senator; to the press he's a dead duck . Some speculate that this slangy term comes from an old saying, “Never waste powder on a dead duck,” first recorded in 1829.

Related Words

• despondent 
• forlorn 
• futile 
• sad 
• vain