A lame duck
Meaning
A person or group, especially an elected official, whose power or effectiveness is diminished because their term is ending or a successor has already been chosen.
Origin
The phrase "lame duck" first waddled into the English lexicon in the 18th century, specifically within the bustling financial markets of London. It was coined to describe a stockbroker who defaulted on their debts, unable to meet their obligations and thus "lame," or crippled, in their ability to trade. They were "lame ducks" struggling to keep up with the flock. By the mid-19th century, this vivid image of a struggling, incapacitated bird was adopted by American political discourse to describe an elected official nearing the end of their term, particularly after a successor has been chosen, whose authority and influence are significantly diminished.
Examples
- The outgoing president was careful not to make any drastic policy changes during his time as a lame duck, preferring to leave major decisions for his successor.
- After losing the election, the mayor became a lame duck, with many council members already looking to work with the incoming administration.