I'm like a duck: calm above the water, and paddling like hell underneath.

Summary

This quote is a metaphorical expression indicating that the speaker presents themselves as composed and collected on the surface, like a duck gliding smoothly on the water. However, beneath this composed exterior, the speaker is working diligently and exerting great effort, just like a duck paddling vigorously beneath the water's surface. It conveys the idea that appearances can be deceiving, and there can be more going on behind the scenes than what meets the eye.

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