English-grammar-lessons.co.uk

menu

Like Water off a Duck's Back

What Does "Like Water off a Duck's Back" Mean?

homeidiomsLike Water off a Duck's Back
"Like water off a duck's back" is an English idiom. It means "criticism or insults that have no effect on the person being criticized."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "like water off a duck's back" used in a sentence:
  • Your negative comments are like water off a duck's back to me.
  • She's so confident; all the criticism is just like water off a duck's back.
  • He faced so much adversity, but it all seemed like water off a duck's back.
meaning for like water off a duck's back

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Like Water off a Duck's Back" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

You now know what "like water off a duck's back" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
silver cup

gold cup

bronze cup

  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 10 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)
Help Us To Improve English Grammar Lessons
  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
Please tell us using this form.
Do you know your English idioms? idioms test

Take Our Test.

search icon

Search our idioms database. (We have 10,000+ idioms!)