pos·sum 
/ˈpɑ:səm/ noun
plural pos·sums also possum /ˈpɑ:səm/ noun [count] : opossum
play possum
informal 1 : to pretend to be asleep or dead
▪ The wounded soldier played possum, hoping the enemy would pass him by. 2 : to pretend to be helpless or less effective in order to deceive an opponent or save strength
▪ The boxer played possum [=pretended to be weaker than he was] for the first few rounds, letting his opponent tire himself out.
▪ The wounded soldier played possum, hoping the enemy would pass him by.
▪ The boxer played possum [=pretended to be weaker than he was] for the first few rounds, letting his opponent tire himself out.
