play duck and drakes

play duck and drakes

Meaning:
– to carelessly misuse one's wealth
– to behave recklessly
– use selfishly to suit oneself
– waste

duck and drakes is also a name of stone skipping or skimming game, a pastime game of throwing flat stones across water so as to make them bounce off the surface.

Examples:
1. He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the fund of corporation.
2. Jane played duck and drakes with the financial system of company.
3. George W. Bush had played duck and drakes with the economy of USA.
4. Hey, let's play duck and drakes on the lake.

Origin:
1575–85; from a fancied likeness to a waterfowl's movements.