Playing Possum

The Virginia Opossum

I'd heard the term "playing possum" before when I heard it mentioned in a video that I was watching. However, I wouldn't have been able to provide a clear definition of its meaning if somebody asked me so I consulted Bard.

What is meant by the phrase "playing possum" and how did the term arise?

The phrase "playing possum" means pretending to be dead or unconscious in order to deceive someone, typically a predator or opponent. It's often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone pretends to be incapacitated or uninterested to gain an advantage.

Origin of the phrase:

The term most likely originated from the behavior of the Virginia opossum. When threatened, these marsupials enter a state of tonic immobility, appearing limp and lifeless, with drool dripping from their mouths and eyes closed. This state can last for several minutes, often fooling predators into thinking they've found a dead animal and abandoning their pursuit.

The first recorded use of the phrase "play possum" appears in an 1835 American newspaper article, referencing the opossum's behavior. Over time, the term gained wider usage and transcended its literal meaning to encompass any situation where someone feigns weakness or disinterest to deceive others.

Examples of using "playing possum":

• The football player pretended to be injured to draw a penalty kick.

• The company played possum during the negotiations, hoping to get a better deal later.

• The cat rolled onto its back and played possum, hoping to lure the unsuspecting toy mouse closer.

In conclusion, "playing possum" is a colorful idiom rooted in the fascinating defensive strategy of the Virginia opossum. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, appearances can be deceiving, and pretending to be weak can actually give you the upper hand.

I then asked Bard the following:

Are there other phrases like "playing possum" that also involve the behaviour of a particular animal?

Absolutely! The animal kingdom offers a treasure trove of fascinating behaviors that have inspired colorful idioms and phrases. Here are some examples like "playing possum" that draw on the unique habits of various creatures:

Feigning Weakness:

• Playing crocodile tears: Pretending to cry to evoke sympathy or manipulate someone, inspired by the crocodile's reputation for shedding fake tears while eating its prey.

• Crawling into one's shell: Retreating from conflict or withdrawing emotionally, referencing the defensive behavior of turtles and snails.

• Putting on a sheep's clothing: Appearing harmless or innocent while harboring hidden intentions, drawing on the contrast between the gentle nature of sheep and the predatory tendencies of wolves in disguise.

Strategic Actions:

• Cunning as a fox: Using cleverness and deceit to achieve one's goals, referencing the fox's reputation for trickery and resourcefulness.

• Busy as a bee: Working with tireless energy and efficiency, inspired by the constant activity of bees in their hives.

• Following one's own scent: Being confident and independent, based on the ability of dogs to track scents and navigate without relying on others.

Unusual Traits:

• Blind as a bat: Lacking awareness or understanding, referencing the nocturnal habits of bats and their reliance on echolocation.

• Stubborn as a mule: Refusing to budge or change one's mind, based on the mule's reputation for being headstrong and independent.

• Changeable as a chameleon: Adapting quickly to new situations or changing one's opinion frequently, inspired by the chameleon's ability to shift its skin color.

These are just a few examples, and the list goes on! From the slyness of a fox to the resilience of an ant, the animal kingdom provides a rich source of metaphors and inspiration for colorful language.