help-about a idiom

China
June 11, 2007 10:55pm CST
who know the exact meaning of "water of a duck's back".I am a non-English speaker,so I was always baffled by many english idiom,hoping warm-hearted reader can help me,appreciate!
3 responses
• United States
12 Jun 07
This phrase is used when something doesn't have any effect on you, usually a criticism. Like if someone called you a bad name, and you said to someone else that you don't care, you let it roll off like water off a duck's back. Kinda like letting something slide or roll of, you don't care or don't mind.
• United States
12 Jun 07
My nationality? I'm Hispanic! =) Why?
• China
12 Jun 07
you are American? I am from china,I was just curious,nothing
• China
12 Jun 07
yes,I get it now,thank you for you reply.By the way ,what's your nationality.
@balasri (26537)
• India
12 Jun 07
This expression is used to describe a situation where something has no effect on a person. It doesn't stick to him like the water which doesn't stick to the duck's back.It is usually used when criticism or harsh comments have no effect on someone.
• China
12 Jun 07
It's very kind of you.Thanks a lot.
• Philippines
12 Jun 07
water off a duck's back : this expression can be used to describe a situation where something has no effect on a person. It is usually used when criticism or harsh comments have no effect on someone. We often use it with the word "like". We also often use this expression with phrasal verbs such as "roll off" or "slide off" . example: 1. It's water off a duck's back to me. 2. It rolled off him water off a duck's back. 3. You have to let it slide off like water off a duck's back.
• China
12 Jun 07
Thanks for your reply,your explanation is quite clear,you also offer me some examples,thanks very much