like water off a duck's back

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does like water off a duck's back mean? In what situations is like water off a duck's back used?

Meaning of "like water off a duck's back"

Meaning

The English idiom "like water off a duck's back" is used to describe something or someone that is unaffected by criticism or insults. It implies a resistance or a dismissal of whatever the comment was.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is assumed to have originated in the 19th century. The image of a duck or a duckling not being affected by water rolling off its back could have been a source of inspiration for the phrase. One theory suggests that this phrase was created in reference to oil-coated ducks, which were used by hunters to attract prey by simulating the effect of water rolling off a duck. The phrase is also sometimes used in other languages, such as French, German, and Italian.

Usage

This idiom is typically used to describe situations where a person is unaffected by what is being said or done to them. It is often used to describe an emotional resilience to insults or criticism. It can also be used to encourage someone to maintain their composure when faced with difficult situations or insults. It is important to note that this idiom is not meant to be interpreted literally, as ducks are actually quite sensitive to water.

Example Sentences

• He was undaunted by their criticism and insults; it was like water off a duck's back to him.
• She was determined not to let his comments affect her—it was like water off a duck's back.
• No matter how hard they tried, their insults and criticism just rolled off him—it was like water off a duck's back.
• Nothing seemed to bother him—everything seemed to go in one ear and out the other, like water off a duck's back.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.