dead duck

American  

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.

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dead duck British  

noun

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

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dead duck Idioms  

1. 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]

2. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of dead duck

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”

Example Sentences

The dead duck on the mantelpiece let out a single protesting quack, but the portrait of Edward Ashton remained unchanged.

From Literature

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

“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

"Frankly, I would have been bored to do that. I would have been a dead duck, career-wise. You have to discard an audience to pick up another one."

From BBC

Related Words

• despondent
• forlorn
• futile
• sad
• vain