a good day for ducks
humorous idiomatic phrase

- wet, rainy weather

The Free Dictionary

(other variations: a great/fine day for ducks, lovely/perfect weather for ducks,… etc.)

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WORD ORIGIN

The origin of the expression "a good day for ducks" cannot be pinpointed. But this line from the 1905 novel "The Romance and Tragedy", by William Ingraham Russell, indicates that at least one variation has been around for over a century:

"Before the day was over I concluded I was not likely ever to forget that rain makes a fine day for ducks."

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DUCK SOLDIERS

South Africa's "Vergenoegd Löw - The Wine Estate" has taken a unique approach to pest control in its vineyards by enlisting an army of 1,600 Indian runner ducks. These flightless ducks, known for their upright stance and strong sense of smell, are tasked with keeping the vineyard free of pests such as aphids, snails, and worms. The ducks are herded on a 14-day circuit through the vineyard, where they not only consume pests but also fertilize the ground.

During the harvest, the ducks take a break to avoid eating the grapes and instead forage on open farm pasture, swim in a nearby lake, and undergo selective breeding. This innovative pest control system, which has been in place since the 1980s, has proven to be highly effective and is now being shared with other vineyards. The estate plans to sell ducks to other vineyards and aims to become a leading provider of pest-fighting ducks.

The initiative is part of the winery's broader commitment to sustainability, which includes other initiatives such as an extensive solar power plant and a wetland conservation area on the farm.

Source: CNN Travel

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RIPPER THE DUCK LEARNS TO  SAY “YOU BLOODY FOOL"

According to an article in The Guardian a talking duck in Australia can say 'you bloody fool' after learning to imitate human speech! Ripper the duck can also imitate the sound of closing doors. Just google “Talking duck in Australia” and have a listen for yourself.

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SYNONYMS

- for wet weather

cloudburst, deluge, downpour, drenching rain, drizzle, flood, heavy rain (shower), monsoon, pelting down, pouring/driving rain,  poury weather, precipitation, raining cats and dogs, A GOOD/GREAT DAY FOR DUCKS, rainfall, rainstorm, shower, sloshy/soaking/sodden/sopping/splashy/spongy weather, torrential rain, torrent, waterlogged, wintry shower

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation,... the next time it rains, say something like

"It's A GOOD DAY FOR DUCKS, let's forget the hike and enjoy a lazy day at home.”

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THANKS to Meta for suggesting today’s OWAD!

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