play possum
The idiom "play possum" is inspired by the Virginia opossum's natural defense mechanism of feigning death to evade predators.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)To pretend to be asleep, unconscious, or dead to avoid attention or danger.
Example
- When the intruders entered the house, she decided to play possum until they left.
B2General
(informal)To feign illness, weakness, or helplessness to avoid responsibility or gain an advantage.
Example
- He played possum to get out of doing his chores.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "play possum":