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Phrase Meanings » on deck
What does "on deck" mean?
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Available, ready for action, as in We had ten kids on deck to clean up after the dance. [Slang; second half of 1800s]
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In baseball, scheduled to bat next, waiting near home plate to bat, as in Joe was on deck next. [1860s] Both usages allude to crew members being on the deck of a ship, in readiness to perform their duties.