1.
duck, wild duck
A wild duck, as distinct from domesticated ducks. Common in Japanese cuisine (especially in soba dishes) and frequently seen in parks and rivers.
池に鴨がいる。
There are ducks in the pond.
鴨そばを注文した。
I ordered duck soba.
冬になると、渡り鳥の鴨が日本の湖や川にやってくる。
In winter, migratory ducks come to Japan's lakes and rivers.
2.
easy mark, sucker, dupe
Slang for a person who is easy to take advantage of or deceive. From the idea of a duck being easy prey for hunters.
観光客はいい鴨だ。
Tourists are easy marks.
詐欺師は鴨を探している。
The swindler is looking for a sucker.
鴨がねぎを背負ってくるとは、まさにこのことだ。
This is exactly what they mean by 'a duck carrying a green onion on its back' — a perfect setup.
CULTURE:
Duck is a traditional ingredient in Japanese cuisine, especially in 鴨そば and 鴨なんばん (duck noodle soup). The proverb 鴨がねぎを背負ってくる (a duck comes carrying a green onion) means that something convenient or fortunate arrives on its own — like a duck bringing its own garnish for the pot.
NOTE ON KANJI:
Often written in katakana as カモ in scientific or casual contexts. The kanji 鴨 is used in culinary and literary contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鴨そば: duck soba noodles
- 鴨なんばん: duck noodle soup
- 鴨肉: duck meat
- いい鴨: an easy mark