Как с гуся вода
Kak s gusya voda
Word-for-word
"Like water off a goose"
English equivalent
"Like water off a duck's back"
What does it mean?
To be unaffected by criticism, reprimands, or bad luck.
Example in use
Russian
Ему всё твердят, а ему всё как с гуся вода.
Translation
They keep telling him, but it's like water off a duck's back to him.
When to use
Use this to describe someone who is indifferent to scolding, punishments, or social disapproval. It usually carries a negative connotation of being thick-skinned or irresponsible.
Origin & cultural note
Geese have oily feathers that repel water naturally. This observation became a metaphor for people who lack remorse or the ability to learn from their mistakes because they simply "let it slide off".
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