water off a duck's back
English
editEtymology
editFrom the idea that water rolls easily off a duck's back and does not penetrate the duck's feathers.
Noun
editwater off a duck's back (uncountable)
- Something potentially harmful or hurtful, such as criticism or insult, that nevertheless has no effect or impact on the target.
- She's always going on at him about something, but to him it's all water off a duck's back.
Usage notes
editOften in the expression like water off a duck's back.