on the stocks
Currently undergoing construction, preparation, or repair. Said of vehicles, especially seafaring vessels. The huge passenger ferry that sank over the weekend was still on the stocks just a day before it set sail on its doomed first voyage.
on the stocks
in construction or preparation. During construction, a ship is supported on a frame or scaffolding known as the stocks .
on the ˈstocks
in the process of being made, built or prepared: Our new model is already on the stocks and will be available in the spring. Stocks refers to the frame that supports a ship or boat when it is being built.