THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Water off a duck’s back
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Criticism or warnings that have no effect on the person receiving them.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The unfair comments were water off a duck’s back to her.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The unfair comments were ________ to her.
Show the answer
Water off a duck’s back — Criticism or warnings that have no effect on the person receiving them.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Water off a duck’s back” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Criticism or warnings that have no effect on the person receiving them.
Compare: The unfair comments were water off a duck’s back to her.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally when someone remains unaffected by criticism or ignores advice. The tone can be admiring or critical, depending on the context.
More examples in context
- My reminders about the deadline seemed like water off a duck’s back to him.
- He stayed cheerful; the teasing was water off a duck’s back.
Usage note
“Like water off a duck’s back” is a common form. The expression can describe resilience, but it can also suggest that useful warnings are being ignored.
A short conversation
A: Did the unkind remarks upset Jo?
B: No, they were water off a duck’s back to her.
A: I am glad they did not spoil her evening.
One more practice question
What does “The criticism was water off a duck’s back” mean?
A. The person was unaffected by the criticism.
B. The person was deeply upset and could think of nothing else.
Check your answer
A. The criticism does not have an effect on the person.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.