be water off a duck's back

be (like) water off a duck's back

To be a fleeting presence; to not have a lasting impact on someone or something. I envy my sister because any criticism or judgment is like water off a duck's back to her. Therapy must really be helping Bill—when he lost his job, it seemed to be like water off a duck's back, rather than triggering a depressive spiral. I'm happy being an artist, so my parents' criticism is just water off a duck's back at this point.

See also: back, off, water

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be (like) water off a ˌduck’s ˈback

(informal) used to say that something, especially criticism, has no effect on somebody: His book got bad reviews, but it was all water off a duck’s back — he doesn’t care at all what they say.

See also: back, off, water

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017