The idiom "a lame duck" refers to a person or thing that is powerless, ineffective, or unable to perform their duties. It is often used to describe a politician or a leader who is in the final period of their term and has lost the support of the people or their party.
For example, if a president is in their last few months in office and has not been re-elected, they may be considered a lame duck because they no longer have the power or influence to pass new laws or make significant changes. Similarly, a company or organization that is struggling financially and has no hope of recovery may also be referred to as a lame duck.
In general, the term "lame duck" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is no longer effective or relevant, and their actions or decisions are unlikely to have any significant impact. It is a negative term that suggests weakness and ineffectiveness.
• I don't understand what you mean by "a lame duck."
• The company's CEO announced his resignation, leaving the business in the hands of a lame duck until a replacement was found.
• Despite being elected, the new mayor lacked support from the city council and was viewed as a lame duck from the start of his term.
• The proposed legislation was deemed a lame duck by the majority of lawmakers and ultimately failed to pass.
• After losing the election, the president was seen as a lame duck for the remaining months of his term.
• The team captain was injured and couldn't play, so he was a lame duck during the game.