If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck

[fernasanj]

What is the actual meaning of this phrase? I checked with google but could not understand it well. Can someone explain it simply?

" If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck"

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[SoothingDave]

It's basically saying that if a thing looks and acts like something, it probably is that thing.

Usually used in the context when someone is trying to convince you that something isn't like it seems. But it really is.

As an example, certain politicians and media in the US are working very hard to tell the American people that the economy is not in a recession, though it has all the signs of such. The politicians have a direct interest in telling us it's not a recession, But it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck. It is a duck.

 

[Tarheel]

The way I've heard it (and probably said it) it goes:

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it's probably a duck.

 

[emsr2d2]

@fernasanj - Please note that I have changed your thread title. Titles should include some/all of the words/phrases/sentences you are asking us to look at. Your question or request should appear only in the main body of your post.

 

[Skrej]

This expression is often adapted to something other than 'duck', with the same meaning. You'll also sometimes see the verbs changed a bit - instead of 'walks-looks-quacks', you might see 'walks-looks-smells' or 'talks - smells - sounds', etc. It's the same basic idea - if the object in question exhibits particular qualities of a certain thing, then there's a very good chance it actually is that thing.