What does the expression 'lame duck' mean?

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The term lame duck refers to somebody weak, particularly to an elected official whose successor has already been elected (but not inaugurated). It is also used to refer (negatively) to a politician who is not running for re-election, such as a US president near the end of his second term.

A lame duck session is a session of an officials whose successors have already been elected (but not inaugurated).

The original use of the term lame duck referred to brokers who defaulted on their debts. The term is still used in this financial context in Europe.

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First answer by Ranger22. Last edit by Gilr. Contributor trust: 653 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 50 [recommend question]

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