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There is a claim that the phrase was first used in print in 1822 when referring to a political campaign. The origin refers to Possums who feign death in order to confuse predators

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Q: Where did the term playing possum originate?
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When was Playing Possum created?

Playing Possum was created in 1975-04.


What does Una you possum mean?

The latin term "Una We Possum", means "Together We Can"!!!! Una We Possum = Together We Can


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Playing Possum - 1921 was released on: USA: 23 November 1921


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The cast of Playing Possum - 1921 includes: Bartine Burkett Harry Sweet


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What does the saying 'to play possum' mean?

The saying "playing possum" comes from the tendency of the American opossum (which is not a true possum) to fall into a deathlike stupor when threatened.An animal that "plays possum" actually goes into a state of physiological suspension whereupon it appears to be quite dead. This is a defence mechanism to avoid being attacked by a predator, and is quite involuntary.The term should actually be "playing opossum" as this behaviour is shown by North American opossums, not true possums of the Oceania region.


What is the meaning of the idiom playing possum?

This expression's meaning may be guessed from the words in it, so it is not an idiom. To play possum is to deceive an attacker by pretending to be dead or vanquished, as the possum proverbially does.


What are the release dates for One on One - 2001 Playing Possum 1-7?

One on One - 2001 Playing Possum 1-7 was released on: USA: 15 October 2001


What is the origin of plays?

The saying "playing possum" comes from the tendency of the American opossum (which is not a true possum) to fall into a deathlike stupor when threatened.An animal that "plays possum" actually goes into a state of physiological suspension whereupon it appears to be quite dead. This is a defence mechanism to avoid being attacked by a predator, and is quite involuntary.The term should actually be "playing opossum" as this behaviour is shown by North American opossums, not true possums of the Oceania region.


Where did the term Pogrom originate during the holocaust?

The term Pogrom did not originate during the Holocaust.


How do opussum protect themselves and what body part?

The phrase "Playing 'Possum" comes from the opossum's way of protecting themselves. Playing possum means to play dead. A 'possum will lay still in hopes an animal will not attack it since it's dead (many animals won't eat prey unless they catch it alive). While playing dead, a possum will secrete really bad smelling fluid from it's anal glands.


What actors and actresses appeared in Playing Possum - 1998?

The cast of Playing Possum - 1998 includes: Mark Clare Clint Sharplin Rajeev Varma as Red Man Tamsin Worts as Blue Woman