ducks and drakes

American  

[duhks uhn dreyks] / ˈdʌks ən ˈdreɪks /

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.

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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.

ducks and drakes British  

noun

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

2. to use recklessly; squander or waste

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Etymology

Origin of ducks and drakes

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

Example Sentences

"This is another step in the right direction of transparent pension accounting and reduces the scope for people to play ducks and drakes," he said.

From The Guardian • Apr. 29, 2010

From their benches, the forgotten aged stare across the little lake into the sun or watch in silence the absurd parade of ducks and drakes or the wheeling Frisbees in the sky.

From Time Magazine Archive

We threw more stones, went to the water’s edge, flung ducks and drakes, and fished for driftwood.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

When he did not, the little red devil played ducks and drakes with him and his prospects.

From The Lash by Lyman, Olin L.

His wife fully intended that he should have ample means to play ducks and drakes with, but, surrounded as he was by a bad entourage, he must not be permitted to be master.

From The Maid of Honour (Vol. 3 of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Wingfield, Lewis