This idiom means to organize, prepare, or align one’s tasks, resources, or plans systematically before taking action. It suggests ensuring everything is in order, like ducks lined up neatly in a row, and is used in professional, personal, or strategic contexts to emphasize thorough preparation. The phrase carries a practical, methodical tone, reflecting cultural values of efficiency and readiness, and often implies a proactive approach to avoid chaos or mistakes in complex endeavors.

The phrase likely originated in early 20th-century America, possibly from bowling, where ‘ducks’ (short pins) needed to be aligned for a game, or from hunting, where ducks in a row were an easy target. An early use appears in a 1932 *Washington Post* article, describing a politician ‘getting his ducks in a row’ for a campaign. The idiom gained traction during the mid-20th century, reflecting America’s emphasis on organization in business and government, as seen in management literature. Its use grew in British English through American media and corporate culture, and the phrase’s whimsical imagery ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures, particularly in planning and leadership contexts.