like water off a duck's back
/laɪk ˌwɔːtər ɒf ə ˌdʌks ˈbæk/NEUTRAL · C2
Meaning
having no effect on someone despite criticism or warnings
Examples
- 1The rude comments were like water off a duck's back; Ollie simply carried on drawing.
- 2Warnings about the deadline seem like water off a duck's back whenever I mention them.
- 3The criticism was like water off a duck's back; she wasn't upset and didn't change a thing.
- 4Their insults are like water off a duck's back; I don't care what they think of my clothes.
- 5All those warnings were like water off a duck's back; he cheerfully ignored them and repeated the same mistake.
Grammar
Usually after be; like can be omitted. Keep the singular possessive duck's and back unchanged.
Similar in meaning
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English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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