好词典

possum

UK //ˈpɒsəm//US //ˈpɑːsəm//

词源

源自美洲原住民语言(Algonquian)中的 'opossum',后简化为 'possum'。

noun

❶ 指袋貂,一种主要分布在澳大利亚的有袋类动物,体型较小,常在夜间活动,以植物和昆虫为食。

“I saw a possum climbing a tree in my backyard last night.”

(昨晚我看到一只袋貂在我家后院的树上爬。)

“Possums are known for their ability to play dead when threatened.”

(袋貂以在受到威胁时装死的能力而闻名。)

同义词:marsupial, phalanger, opossum

常见短语

play possum — 指假装死亡或假装无知以逃避危险或责任,源自袋貂在受到威胁时装死的习性。

“When the teacher asked who broke the window, he played possum.”

(当老师问是谁打破了窗户时,他假装不知道。)