Definition

Noun: - A children's game in which a flat stone or similar object is thrown or skipped across the surface of a body of calm water, with the goal of making it bounce or "skip" as many times as possible before sinking.

Usage

• The term "ducks and drakes" refers specifically to the game itself. It is used as an uncountable noun phrase.
• Example: The children spent the afternoon at the pond playing ducks and drakes.

Advanced Usage

• To play ducks and drakes with (something): This is an idiomatic expression meaning to use something recklessly, wastefully, or irresponsibly, as if treating it with the casual disregard of skipping stones across water.
  • Example: The corrupt official was accused of playing ducks and drakes with public funds.

Variants and Related Words

• Stone-skipping or stone-skipping: A more modern and descriptive term for the same game.
• Stone skimming: Another common synonym for the activity.

Synonyms

• Stone skipping
• Stone skimming
• Ricochet (in a broader physical sense, not specifically the game)

Related Idioms

• Play ducks and drakes with: As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this is the primary idiom derived from the term. It conveys the idea of frivolous or irresponsible treatment.

Noun

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