How do you use "Sitting duck" in a sentence?

Without security, the site is a sitting duck. He was a sitting duck for criticism. Out in the open, they were sitting ducks.

Sitting duck

Q: What does "Sitting duck" mean?

An easy target; someone vulnerable to attack or criticism. A 'sitting duck' is completely vulnerable—easy to target because they can't defend or escape. Like a duck sitting still on water, they're exposed and defenceless.

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Casual

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Meaning: An easy target; someone vulnerable to attack or criticism.

容易被攻击的目标；容易受到攻击或批评的人。

Un blanco fácil; alguien vulnerable a ataques o críticas.

格好の的、攻撃や批判に対して無防備な人。

손쉬운 표적; 공격이나 비판에 취약한 사람.

A 'sitting duck' is completely vulnerable—easy to target because they can't defend or escape. Like a duck sitting still on water, they're exposed and defenceless.

'Sitting duck（坐着的鸭子）'指完全处于弱势——因为无法防御或逃跑而容易成为目标。就像静坐在水面上的鸭子，暴露无遗，毫无防备。

Un 'sitting duck' (pato sentado) es completamente vulnerable — fácil de atacar porque no puede defenderse ni escapar. Como un pato sentado inmóvil en el agua, está expuesto e indefenso.

「シッティング・ダック」は完全に無防備な状態—防御も逃走もできないため簡単に狙われます。水面にじっと座っているカモのように、無防備でさらけ出されている状態です。

'Sitting duck(앉아 있는 오리)'는 방어하거나 도망칠 수 없어 완전히 무방비 상태인 것을 뜻합니다. 물 위에 가만히 앉아 있는 오리처럼, 노출되고 무방비한 상태를 나타냅니다.

Examples

Without security, the site is a sitting duck.
没有安保，这个地点就是活靶子。
Sin seguridad, el sitio es un blanco fácil.
セキュリティなしでは、そのサイトは格好の的だ。
보안 없이는 그 사이트는 손쉬운 표적이다.
He was a sitting duck for criticism.
他成了批评的活靶子。
Era un blanco fácil para las críticas.
彼は批判の格好の的だった。
그는 비판의 손쉬운 표적이었다.
Out in the open, they were sitting ducks.
在开阔地带，他们就是活靶子。
A campo abierto, eran blancos fáciles.
開けた場所にいて、彼らは格好の的だった。
탁 트인 곳에 있어서, 그들은 손쉬운 표적이었다.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪtɪŋ dʌk/

Usage Guide

Context: vulnerability, risk, defence

Tone: warning, concerned

✓ Do Say

Sitting duck
活靶子
blanco fácil
シッティング・ダック — 格好の的
손쉬운 표적
A sitting duck
一个活靶子
un blanco fácil
格好の的
손쉬운 표적
Sitting ducks
活靶子们
blancos fáciles
格好の的たち
손쉬운 표적들

Common Mistakes

Always about vulnerability and exposure

Origin & History

From hunting: a duck sitting on water is an easy target compared to one in flight. Extended to any vulnerable person, organisation, or position.

Etymology: From hunting: a stationary duck is easy prey

First recorded: Early 20th century

Cultural Context

Era: Early 20th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Military; Cybersecurity

Regional notes: American hunting origin, global usage.

Variations

Sitting duckSitting ducks