duck test

duck test

A form of logical, intuitive reasoning to deduce the nature of an uncertain thing or situation, usually in the absence or in spite of concrete evidence. Adapted from the saying, "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck." You aren't sure whether he likes you? Just use the duck test—if he's showing you all the signs of being interested, then he most likely is.
See also: duck, test
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • it stands to reason
  • stand to reason
  • reason against
  • reason against (something)
  • second nature
  • second nature to
  • extrapolate
  • extrapolate (something) from (something)
  • extrapolate from
  • no prizes for guessing (something)
References in periodicals archive
After all, as in the duck test, if something looks unethical and sounds unethical, then it probably is unethical.
Is it better to be ethical or to appear ethical?
Figure 1 puts the DoD program to the duck test. All inputs must be scrupulously audited and revised as necessary, and each block involves action for both DoD and the contractor.
RESCUING a Failing Program Can It Be Saved or Are We Too Late?
Whether we fail the league duck test or not this year's going to be quackers.
We'll have title race if teams get ducks in a row
It's a great sight to see, as she teaches them all the basics of duck life, and it's good to know that our third pond - which has taken Gerry about five years of on-and-off excavation and landscaping - has finally passed the duck test.
Our third pond finally passes the broody wild duck test; IT'S A WILDLIFE PARADISE AT OUR SMALLHOLDER'S PLACE AT THE MOMENT, BUT NOT ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUALLY WELCOME
Now, even if everything is relative, there is still the duck test that must be passed.
Quack, quack
These documents seem to pass the "Duck Test"--i.e., they wall like a duck, quack like a duck, smell like a duck, etc.
What triggers insurance coverage? It's time to brush up on a dead language
The future standard of what makes an honors college will be a version of the "duck test" ("if it acts like a duck ...").
Honors in 2025: becoming what you emulate
These include the extension of the northern bobwhite quail or mallard duck test protocol to a two-generation study, makes these tests even longer and more costly, thus increasing international interest in the Japanese quail (45) and the modification mentioned in the EDSTAC report (1) for extending the current U.S.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors
All-rounder Craig White was the hero this time with Test-best figures of five for 32, including the first-ever golden duck Test dismissal of Brian Lara.
Cricket: WHITE STUFFS WINDIES
As a final word of caution, consider the "duck test," an instance where taxes and real life intersect.
IRS CRACKDOWN ON ABUSIVE TRUSTS
Electromagnetic fields have passed the 'duck test'; if it acts like a potential carcinogen, it must be addressed as a potential carcinogen."
EPA suspects ELF fields can cause cancer
The move to penalise athletes who duck tests formed part of an anti-doping review produced by Britain's most successful Paralympics athlete.
Athletics: ATHLETES TO FACE DRUG TEST 'FINES'
The European Commission said it had now been notified by the French authorities of a confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 in a wild duck tested in Ain, near Lyon.
Bird flu found in French duck
The European Commission said it had been notified by the French authorities of a confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 in a wild duck tested in Ain, near Lyon.
Bird flu heading towards Britain
The European Commission said it had now been notified by the French authorities of a confirmed case of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 in a wild duck tested in Ain, near Lyon.
Cordon as France confirms bird flu