water off a duck's back

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English

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Etymology

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From the idea that water rolls easily off a duck's back and does not penetrate the duck's feathers.

Noun

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water off a duck's back (uncountable)

  1. 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

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Often in the expression like water off a duck's back.