A "lame duck" refers to a person who is no longer effective. This phrase is most commonly used in political references to indicate an official whose successor has already been elected and thus his/her influence or power is decreased. Sometimes, however, this "lame duck" status frees the politician to enact laws or make decisions without fear of having to win future elections.

While this phrase most often refers to politicians, it originated in the 18th century at the London Stock Exchange and referred to a stockbroker or investor who defaulted on his debts. The first known written occurrence of this phrase occurred in 1761 when Horace Walpole wrote to Sir Horace Mann: "Do you know what a Bull and a Bear and Lame Duck are?"

The first U.S. President to be referred to as a lame duck was Calvin Coolidge in 1926.

Use Example - Once the president enters the final months of his presidency he is pretty much a lame duck.

Source Tags : Politics     Concept Tags : Ineffective   Animal