From 'Aesop's Fables' to Team India: What does the phrase 'lame ducks' mean?

A few days ago, former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar referred to the national selection committee as 'lame ducks'. His remarks came after the MSK Prasad-led committee went against protocol and allowed Virat Kohli to continue as captain for the West Indies tour without having a meeting. Gavaskar’s comments were also a swipe at the mediocre playing careers of the current selectors.

The phrase ‘lame duck’ refers to one that is weak or who falls behind in ability or achievement. It traces its origin to the tale of Androcles and the duck from Aesop's Fables.

In the tale, Androcles meets a savage duck in the forest who, instead of eating Androcles, asks him to take a thorn out of his webbed foot. Androcles helps the lame duck and the two become friends. When served a roast duck at a feast, Androcles is upset. The tale ends with Androcles becoming the meal of a lion, whose paw he steps on while leaving the place where the duck was served.


The phrase ‘lame duck’ became famous in the 18th century. Those days, it was often used on the London Stock Exchange to describe those who were unable to pay their debts. In the 19th century, the phrase was used in American politics for representatives of the US Congress who were unable to short-change voters to re-elect them in November. They would hold their seat till March as per the Constitution of America.

Such politicians were called lame ducks and the phrase was recorded on January 14, 1863 in the Congressional Globe, the official record of the United States Congress.