(like) water off a duck's back
Meaning(s)
1. something has no effect on somebody
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
the criticism is water off a duck's back to me
Analysis
This expression is based on the literal characteristic that duck feathers have to resist water, and is used figuratively in relation to somebody's ability to resist insults, criticisms, or other negative verbal attacks. It does not apply to physical attacks. It can be used in both a social or professional setting, but its informality makes it more common in the former. A similar expression is 'no skin off my nose.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- Person A: "Are you upset about what Frank said to you?" Person B: "Not at all. It's water off a duck's back to me."
- My parents criticize me so often that their words have lost their impact. They've become like water off a duck's back."
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Working in the service industry, sometimes you can find yourself on the receiving end of some harsh words or threats from customers. I have thick skin, though, so it's all water off a duck's back to me.
- Elizabeth can be difficult to work with she can get angry and shout quite often. I've been working with her for such a long time it's like water off a ducks back to me. When she gets like that, just ignore her.