water off a duck's back
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From the idea that water rolls easily off a duck's back and does not penetrate the duck's feathers.
Noun[edit]
water off a duck's back (uncountable)
- Something potentially harmful or hurtful, such as criticism or insult, that nevertheless has no effect or impact on the target.
- She's always going on at him about something, but to him it's all water off a duck's back.
Usage notes[edit]
Often in the expression like water off a duck's back.