Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of pretending to be asleep, unconscious, or unresponsive in order to avoid danger, confrontation, or unwanted attention. It implies feigning ignorance or pretending to be inactive as a defensive strategy.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “When the bully approached him, he decided to play possum, hoping to avoid a confrontation.”
- “The suspect pretended to be injured and played possum in order to evade capture by the police.”
- “She knew her parents were angry, so she played possum in her room until the tension eased.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “play possum” is rooted in the behavior of the North American opossum, which is known for its ability to feign death or unconsciousness when threatened. When facing danger, an opossum may go limp, close its eyes, and emit a foul odor to deter predators. This defensive behavior is often interpreted as “playing possum.” Over time, the phrase “play possum” became a metaphorical expression used to describe pretending to be inactive or unaware in order to avoid harm or conflict.
