How Do You Spell PLAY DUCKS AND DRAKES?

Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪ dˈʌks and dɹˈe͡ɪks] (IPA)

The phrase "play ducks and drakes" means to skip flat stones across water. The spelling of "ducks and drakes" is unusual, as both words end in the same "ks" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "ducks" is /dʌks/, while "drakes" is pronounced /dreɪks/. The difference in the final sounds highlights the unique spelling of the phrase. Its origins are unclear, but it's thought to have come from a game played with actual ducks and drakes in the 16th century.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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PLAY DUCKS AND DRAKES Meaning and Definition

  1. "Playing ducks and drakes" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the well-known pastime of skipping stones across water, particularly on still or calm bodies of water like ponds or lakes. This phrase is used metaphorically to describe someone who is wasting or frivolously squandering their resources, often in a careless or thoughtless manner.

    The term "play ducks and drakes" can also be used to depict the act of acting recklessly or irresponsibly with one's money, time, or opportunities. Just as skipping stones across water involves launching them without any particular goal or objective, indulging in this behavior implies a lack of concern for the consequences and an absence of practicality or meaningful purpose.

    It is important to note that this expression can be used in various contexts, whether in personal or professional situations, to emphasize actions carried out without regard for long-term outcomes or without carefully considering the potential negative effects. Overall, "playing ducks and drakes" suggests a frivolous or careless attitude towards valuable resources, typically resulting in a wasteful or unproductive outcome.

    In summary, "play ducks and drakes" refers metaphorically to a person's tendency to squander or waste resources in a careless or thoughtless manner, comparable to aimlessly skipping stones across water.

Common Misspellings for PLAY DUCKS AND DRAKES

  • olay ducks and drakes
  • llay ducks and drakes
  • -lay ducks and drakes
  • 0lay ducks and drakes
  • pkay ducks and drakes
  • ppay ducks and drakes
  • poay ducks and drakes
  • plzy ducks and drakes
  • plsy ducks and drakes
  • plwy ducks and drakes
  • plqy ducks and drakes
  • plat ducks and drakes
  • plag ducks and drakes
  • plah ducks and drakes
  • plau ducks and drakes
  • pla7 ducks and drakes
  • pla6 ducks and drakes
  • play sucks and drakes
  • play xucks and drakes
  • play cucks and drakes

Idioms with the word PLAY DUCKS AND DRAKES

  • play ducks and drakes with someone To play ducks and drakes with someone means to take advantage of them or manipulate them for your own benefit without considering the consequences for them. It implies treating someone carelessly or frivolously.
  • play ducks and drakes with To play ducks and drakes with means to treat something recklessly or irresponsibly; to toy with or squander something valuable.

Infographic

Correct spelling for play ducks and drakes
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