ducks and drakes
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a game in which a flat stone is bounced along the surface of calm water