ducks on the pond

Definitions

1. A coded warning used by men to alert each other that female guests ("ducks") are present ("on the pond"), so that for politeness they should moderate their language.
   Australia, plural, plural-only
2. Members of a batting order who are on base; baserunners.
   plural, plural-only
3. There are customers arriving on the car lot.
   plural, plural-only

Examples

“Usually the wool presser calls first, because most visitors to a shed⟳ come⟳ through the wool room. ‘Ducks on the Pond!’ he calls, and the warning is taken up again down along the shearing board⟳.”

“There are two ducks on the pond for the cleanup hitter.”

“Ducks on the pond. Who is up?”

CEFR level