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Region: US | Usage example: Duck and cover when you hear thunder if the storm is severe.

Duck and cover

Meaning

React quickly to avoid danger.

Usage

Originally civil defense advice; now general caution.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Cold War-era safety drill phrase.

Taught in classrooms during the 1950s and still referenced in cultural memory.

Related Idioms

Cover your bases

Prepare for all eventualities.

Duck in a row

Have organized details in order.

You can't judge a book by its cover

Appearances can be deceiving.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.