Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
play ducks and drakes with someone
idiom
/pleɪ dʌks ənd dreɪks wɪð ˈsʌmˌwʌn/
Definition
To act irresponsibly or mischievously and waste someone else’s resources or time.
Examples
- He played ducks and drakes with his brother’s savings, leading to a fallout.
- Don’t play ducks and drakes with her emotions; treat her with respect.
Meaning
The phrase describes the act of being frivolous with someone else’s affairs, often leading to problems or misunderstandings due to careless behavior.
Synonyms
- mess around with
- fool around with
- waste someone’s time
