Crossword Genius

A stone’s throw from pond life? (5,3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ducks and drakes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'throw from pond life?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a stone's' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ducks and drakes that I've seen before include "birds of both sexes" , "Mates" , "22 game" , "game, superficially bouncy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app