[play] possum
1
to pretend as if one is asleep or dead so that others will not bother or attack one
The idiom "play possum" originated in North America and refers to a behavior exhibited by the Virginia opossum, a marsupial native to the region. When threatened or attacked, the opossum often goes into a defensive mode where it appears motionless and feigns death. This behavior is believed to have given rise to the idiom "play possum." This idiom phrase is used to suggest a strategy of appearing defenseless or vulnerable to deter or confuse potential threats.
- When confronted by the bully, Tim decided to play possum and remained silent until the situation defused.
- The cunning fox approached the henhouse, but the chickens played possum to avoid drawing attention.
- The suspect, realizing the police were closing in, chose to play possum and acted as if he had no knowledge of the crime.
- In the negotiation, the experienced diplomat knew when to play possum and maintain silence to gain leverage.
- Suspecting danger, the rabbit played possum by freezing in place, hoping the predator would lose interest and move on.