quack like a duck
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To appear to be exactly what one is.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If it quacks like a duck, it's a duck.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “quack like a duck” mean?
To appear to be exactly what one is.
Is “quack like a duck” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.