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Region: General | Usage example: Let the criticism be water off a duck's back.

Water off a duck's back

Meaning

Let criticism or trouble slide without effect.

Usage

Encourages resilience to negativity.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Water rolls off ducks' feathers without wetting the bird.

Used in English folk expression since the 19th century.