Κάνω την πάπια

Meaning: To feign ignorance; to play dumb.

Literally: To play the duck

Example: “Όταν ρωτάνε ποιος έσπασε το βάζο, κάνει την πάπια.” — When they ask who broke the vase, he plays dumb.

English equivalent: To play dumb

Origin: "To play the duck": to act as if one does not know or hear anything. Why the duck is not documented; the usual guess is its blank, unbothered look as it paddles along.

Equivalents in other languages

English: play dumb

More Greek idioms

Τρώω πόρτα To be refused entry or turned down flat.
Πιάστηκε στα πράσα Caught red-handed.
Μασάω τα λόγια μου To mumble and not speak plainly.
Σιγά τα λάχανα Big deal! (extreme sarcasm)
Τρώω τα νύχια μου I'm extremely anxious and impatient.
Φέρνω νερό στο μύλο κάποιου Unwittingly help someone achieve their own goals while thinking you're working against th…

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Equivalents in other languages

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