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.

Example Sentences

"The US at this COP is not just a lame duck, it's a dead duck," said Prof Richard Klein of the Stockholm Environment Institute, an expert on climate change policy.

From BBC

Some experts say the results of Wednesday’s parliamentary elections make Yoon “a lame duck” — or even “a dead duck” — for his remaining three years in office.

From Seattle Times

The Windsor framework agreement, a dead duck, brought into existence by shady promises of future preferment with grubby rewards and potential gongs to MPs.

From BBC

“It is a dead duck,” he said, referring to the alliance.

From New York Times

“I don’t want to be a lame duck forever. I’d rather be a dead duck I guess,” Tobin said, sparking laughter at the press conference.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• despondent 
• forlorn 
• futile 
• sad 
• vain