Water off a Duck's Back — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Criticism or insults that have no effect on someone.

When negative comments are water off a duck's back, the person they're aimed at simply ignores them and carries on.

It describes someone who is naturally unbothered by what others say.

Use it when…

When a performer ignores harsh reviews and keeps creating
When a confident employee brushes off unkind or unfair feedback
When someone is naturally unbothered by social pressure or gossip

Don’t confuse with...

"Turn the Other Cheek"

—

Choosing not to react to an insult out of moral principle, not indifference

"Let It Go"

—

Stopping yourself from holding onto something that bothered you

"Water off a Duck's Back"

—

Criticism or negativity that has no impact and is simply ignored

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Water off a Duck's Back" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

Negative performance reviews were water off a duck's back to him — he never seemed affected.

Relationships & Social Life

Emotional Situations

Her friends marveled at how criticism was always water off a duck's back — nothing touched her.

Media & Everyday Life

Interviews

The author said that one-star reviews were water off a duck's back at this point in her career.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Water off a Duck's Back" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Giving feedback

Colleague

Do you think the client's complaints bothered him at all?

You

Water off a duck's back — he smiled through the entire call.

Relationships

Talking to friend

Friend

Did the negative comments online get to you?

You

Honestly? Water off a duck's back. I don't even read them.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

You

How does she stay so calm when people criticize her work?

Friend

It's water off a duck's back for her — always has been.

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Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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