get one's ducks in a row

get (one's) ducks in a row

To take action to become well-organized, prepared, and/or up-to-date. We need to get our ducks in a row to ensure that there are no problems at home while we're gone on our trip. Make sure Finance gets their ducks in a row before the audit.
See also: duck, get, row
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get one's ducks in a row

Fig. to get one's affairs in order or organized. Jane is organized. She really gets all her ducks in a row right away. You can't hope to go into a company and sell something until you get your ducks in a row.
See also: duck, get, row
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

get one's ducks in a row

Also, have one's ducks in a row. Complete one's preparations, become efficient and well organized, as in I'm trying to get my ducks in a row before I go to Europe. This synonym for get one's act together probably alludes to lining up target ducks in a shooting gallery. [Slang; 1970s]
See also: duck, get, row
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • get (one's) ducks in a row
  • get ducks in a row
  • get your ducks in a row
  • get/have your ducks in a row
  • have (one's) ducks in a row
  • have all (of) (one's) ducks in a row
  • get together
  • get (one's) act together
  • get one's act together
  • get act together