get (one's) ducks in a row

To take action to become well-organized, prepared, 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. I know I need to get my ducks in a row before I make these accusations. No one will take me seriously without concrete evidence.

have (one's) ducks in a row

To be well-organized, prepared, and up-to-date. We need to have our ducks in a row to ensure that there are no problems at home while we're gone on our trip. Before you make those accusations, you better have your ducks in a row. Make sure Finance has their ducks in a row before the audit.

get your ducks in a row

have your ducks in a row

mainly AMERICAN, INFORMAL

If you get your ducks in a row or have your ducks in a row, you get everything well organized and under control. The people who've been running the business for the last few years seem to be getting their ducks in a row. Dan's a thorough kind of guy. He isn't going to do anything until he's got all his ducks in a row. Note: The `ducks' in this expression are duckpins. The game of duckpins is a variation of bowling, with ten smaller pins and a smaller ball with no finger holes. The literal meaning of `to get your ducks in a row' is to get your duckpins set up for the next game.

get (or have) your ducks in a row

get (or have) your facts straight; get (or have) everything organized. North American informal

1996 Brew Your Own You really want to have all your ducks in a row before the meeting.

get/have (all) your ˌducks in a ˈrow

(especially American English) have made all the preparations needed to do something; be well organized: We need to get all our ducks in a row before beginning work on the project.