like water off a duck’s back 🦆💧
Definition: Sailing through adversity without any negative effects, akin to the way a duck’s feathers repel water.
Synonyms
- Rolled off like Teflon
- Smooth sailing
- In one ear and out the other
- Shrugged off
Antonyms
- Taking it to heart
- Troubled waters
- Sticks like a burr
Humor-Filled Quotes
- 🎤 “I’m like Teflon, babe, nothing sticks!” – John Gotti
- 🦆 “Criticism is like water off a bird’s back. If the bird is waterproof.” – Fictional Humorist, Darey Quacktwell
Related Proverbs
- “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
- “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Literature: The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley features the idiom, illustrating the resilience of characters in the face of harsh words.
- Songs: Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” reflects the attitude of letting criticism glide off.
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness portrays how Chris Gardner shrugs off negativity to achieve his dreams.
Inspirational Note ✨
Just like the elegant duck gliding serenely on the water’s surface, let life’s challenges roll past without sinking your spirits. Remember: it’s about smooth beginnings and smooth endings. 🦆
### Identify the authentic idiom
- [ ] Crying over spilled lemonade
- [x] Like water off a duck’s back
- [ ] Laughing with bubble wings
- [ ] Walking with confetti shoes
> **Explanation:** "Like water off a duck’s back" is a well-known idiom signifying an easy dismissal of criticism. The rest are just whimsical musings!
### Choose the correct symbolic phrase
- [x] Taking it in stride
- [ ] Holding on to phantom feathers
- [ ] Swallowing giant marbles
- [ ] Stringing spaghetti together
> **Explanation:** “Taking it in stride” means handling matters smoothly, akin to water off a duck’s back.
### True or False: 'Like water off a turtle's shell' is an idiom
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Though sensible, it doesn't have the same ring. We stick with the waterproof duck for idiomatic flair!
### Which one describes ignoring negativity?
- [x] Rolling with the punches
- [ ] Dancing on banana peels
- [ ] Swimming against jelly waves
- [ ] Sailing on crisp paper boats
> **Explanation:** “Rolling with the punches” corresponds nicely with the spirit of resilience without ill effect.
### Choose the less likely equivalent expression
- [ ] Shrugged off
- [ ] Flows easily
- [x] Feathers ruffled
- [ ] Teflon-coated
> **Explanation:** "Feathers ruffled" shows the opposite reaction to smooth dismissal.
### Which statement is aligned with a stoic attitude?
- [x] In one ear and out the other
- [ ] Hearing through silver fish
- [ ] Absorbing negativity like blotting paper
- [ ] Spinning words into sticky webs
> **Explanation:** "In one ear and out the other" displays the carefree attitude of disregarding negativity.
“Farewell, resilient souls! Navigate life smoothly today and always let adversity roll off your back like water on a duck. Quack on!” ☔🦆
