deck (redirected from decking)

all hands on deck

something that you say when everyone's help is needed, especially to do a lot of work in a short amount of time. We've got to get all this cleared up before they arrive so it's all hands on deck.

See also: all, hand

be one card/several cards short of a full deck (humorous)

if someone is one card short of a full deck, they are stupid or crazy. Do you think your cousin might be one card short of a full deck?

See also: card, full, several, short

clear the decks (informal)

to finish dealing with what you are doing so that you can start to do something more important. His company is clearing the decks for major new investment in the Far East.

See also: clear

hit the deck/dirt (American & Australian, informal)

to fall to the ground, or to quickly lie on the ground, especially to avoid danger. The shooting started, and I heard someone shout 'Hit the deck!'

See also: dirt, hit

on deck

1. if someone is on deck, they are present and ready to do something. Bill's batting next - tell him to get on deck. Ann, if you can be on deck at 9.00 I'll give you a lift to the meeting.

2. alive. Don't tell me old Bill's still on deck. I thought he died years ago.

stack the deck (mainly American)

to arrange something in a way that is not fair in order to achieve what you want. The manager stacked the deck in Joe's favor so he got the promotion.

See also: stack

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clear the decks

to finish what you are doing in order to do something more important. His company is clearing the decks to begin work on a major new product.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of clear the decks (= prepare a ship to fight by putting away everything that is not necessary)

See also: clear

deck out someone/something

to decorate someone or something in something special. The stewards were decked out in beautiful new uniforms. Some salesman had decked the car out, giving it racing wheels and stripes on the sides.

hit the deck

to fall to the ground suddenly to avoid danger. At the sound of gunfire, we all hit the deck.

See also: hit

on deck

ready or available. The TV audience expects something good on deck after the news.

Etymology: based on the idea of being on the deck (= flat surface) of a ship, ready for whatever must be done

stack the deck

to arrange something so that it is unfair to someone. We wanted to make sure no one was stacking the deck in their favor. The deck truly is stacked against the poor.

Etymology: based on a way of cheating in a card game by secretly arranging the cards so that you will win

See also: stack