Learn English – Are “Fish in a barrel” and “Sitting ducks” similar

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Do the phrases "Fish in a barrel" and "Sitting ducks" convey the same thing?

In my opinion, they have the same tone and express something to be an easy target.

Eg:
Out there, they are just fish in a barrel.

Out there, they are sitting ducks.

Can they be used interchangeably or are there some differences in their usage?

Best Answer

Yes they are similar, but not interchangeable

The wording is

It is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel: ridiculously easy

and

They are like sitting ducks: someone or something vulnerable to attack

So you would say - Making them look stupid is like shooting fish in a barrel e.g. you are actively hunting them versus

The noobs are like sitting ducks in this flame war e.g they have made themselves an easy target

In your case:

Look at them out there: Like sitting ducks

or

Look at them out there, getting at them would be like shooting fish in a barrel