on deck

1. Literally, on the deck of a ship or boat. The crates on deck came loose in the storm and went flying overboard. The captain wants everyone on deck immediately.

2. Ready or available (to do something). We have a team of helpers on deck to make sure everyone here has a fantastic experience. Who do we have on deck to deal with the power outage?

3. In baseball or softball, next up to bat. Primarily heard in US. With their record-breaking batter on deck, the team is hoping to take the lead.

See also: deck, on

on deck

1. Lit. on the deck of a boat or a ship. Everyone except the cook was on deck when the storm hit. Just pull up the anchor and leave it on deck.

2. Fig. ready (to do something); ready to be next (at something). Ann, get on deck. You're next. Who's on deck now?

See also: deck, on

on deck

1. Available, ready for action, as in We had ten kids on deck to clean up after the dance. [Slang; second half of 1800s]

2. In baseball, scheduled to bat next, waiting near home plate to bat, as in Joe was on deck next. [1860s] Both usages allude to crew members being on the deck of a ship, in readiness to perform their duties.

See also: deck, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

on deck

ready for action or work. North American

This expression refers to a ship's main deck as the place where the crew musters to receive orders for action.

See also: deck, on

on deck

1. On hand; present.

2. Sports Waiting to take one's turn, especially as a batter in baseball.

See also: deck, on

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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