Definition

Verb: - To feign death, unconsciousness, or ignorance; to pretend to be unaware or inactive in order to deceive or avoid a situation.

Usage

This verb phrase is used to describe the act of pretending to be dead, asleep, or uninvolved, typically as a defensive tactic to avoid danger, confrontation, or an unwanted task. It originates from the behavior of the opossum, which is known to feign death when threatened.

Examples

• When the teacher asked who broke the window, the student decided to play possum and pretended to be asleep at his desk.
• The suspect played possum in the backseat of the car, hoping the police would think he was unconscious.
• I know you're awake; you can stop playing possum now.

Advanced Usage

• Strategic Deception: Often implies a calculated, strategic pretense rather than a simple lie.
  • During the negotiation, he played possum about his budget limits to get a better deal.
• Extended Metaphor: Can be used metaphorically for inaction or feigned ignorance in non-physical contexts.
  • The company played possum during the scandal, issuing no statements until the news cycle passed.

Variants and Related Words

• Feign (verb): To pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury.
• Sham (verb/noun): To falsely present something; a thing that is not what it is purported to be.
• Dissemble (verb): To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.

Synonyms

• Pretend to be dead
• Feign unconsciousness
• Feign ignorance
• Lie low
• Lay doggo (informal)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lie low: To avoid attention or detection.
  • After the prank, we decided to lie low for a few days.
• Play dead: A more literal synonym, often used for animals or direct commands.
  • The dog knows how to play dead when you point your finger like a gun.
• Turn a blind eye: To pretend not to notice something (shares the concept of feigned ignorance).
  • The manager turned a blind eye to the minor rule-breaking.

Verb

1. to pretend to be dead