Meaning of the word "play possum" in English

What does "play possum" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

play possum

US /pleɪ ˈpɑːsəm/
UK /pleɪ ˈpɒsəm/
"play possum" picture

Idiom

to pretend to be dead or unconscious in order to deceive someone

Example:
When the bear approached, the hiker decided to play possum.
He wasn't really asleep, he was just playing possum to avoid doing chores.