VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

duck for cover

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌdʌk fə ˈkʌvə/
US/ˌdʌk fər ˈkʌvər/

Meanings

  1. phraseidiom

    To bend down or move quickly in order to protect yourself from danger, especially from something flying toward you.

    Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase: you duck for cover; it does not take an object.

    Patterns

    • duck for cover
    • duck for cover from something
    • duck for cover behind something

    When the fireworks went wrong, everyone ducked for cover behind the benches.

    The soldiers heard the whistle and ducked for cover in the ditch.

    She saw the ball coming straight at her and ducked for cover.

  2. phraseidiomfigurative

    To try to avoid blame, criticism, or an unpleasant situation, often by hiding or staying quiet.

    Grammar: Figurative use; still intransitive and often followed by 'when' or 'as'.

    Patterns

    • duck for cover when something happens
    • duck for cover as something happens

    When the manager started asking questions, several staff members ducked for cover.

    As soon as the scandal broke, the minister ducked for cover and stopped giving interviews.

Common combinations

duck for cover behind something
The children ducked for cover behind the wall when the storm hit.
duck for cover from something
We ducked for cover from the hail under a shop doorway.
quickly duck for cover
He quickly ducked for cover when he heard the gunshot.
duck for cover in a doorway
They ducked for cover in a doorway until the rain passed.
everyone ducked for cover
Everyone ducked for cover as the glass shattered.

Synonyms and how they differ

take cover
'Take cover' is more formal and often used in military or news reports; 'duck for cover' stresses a quick, low movement.
dodge
'Dodge' means to move aside to avoid something, but it does not always suggest hiding or protecting yourself.
flinch
'Flinch' means to make a small sudden movement because of fear or pain, not necessarily to seek protection.

Opposites

stand stillstay in the open

Word family

duck verb
To lower your head or body quickly, especially to avoid something.
cover noun
Something that protects you or hides you from danger.

Commonly confused: duck for cover or duck and cover?

duck for cover vs duck and cover

'Duck and cover' is a related phrase from civil-defense drills, meaning to bend down and protect your head; 'duck for cover' focuses on moving to a place of shelter.

Practice

What does 'duck for cover' mean in this sentence? 'When the shooting started, the reporters ducked for cover.'

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “duck for cover”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words