Brush aside
phrasal verb
To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
Tom tried to explain his side of the story, but Mary brushed it aside.
Often appears as...
- brush aside criticism
- brush aside concerns
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To physically move something to the side using a sweep of a hand or an object.
She brushed aside the curtains to let the sunlight in.
Often appears as...
- brush aside hair
- brush aside debris
phrasal verb
To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
Tom tried to explain his side of the story, but Mary brushed it aside.
Often appears as...
- brush aside criticism
- brush aside concerns
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To physically move something to the side using a sweep of a hand or an object.
She brushed aside the curtains to let the sunlight in.
Often appears as...
- brush aside hair
- brush aside debris
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Dismissal
Used when subtly disregarding someone's opinion or suggestion without giving it much consideration.
Despite the team's input, the manager brushed aside the concerns as minor.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Insult
Might imply the speaker considers the dismissed idea inferior, which can be slightly insulting.
He brushed aside her ideas, which she found quite disrespectful.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Confrontational
Non-confrontational way to disagree or not accept something, often used in polite or professional contexts.
The diplomat brushed aside the allegations, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Dismissal
Used when subtly disregarding someone's opinion or suggestion without giving it much consideration.
Despite the team's input, the manager brushed aside the concerns as minor.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Insult
Might imply the speaker considers the dismissed idea inferior, which can be slightly insulting.
He brushed aside her ideas, which she found quite disrespectful.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Confrontational
Non-confrontational way to disagree or not accept something, often used in polite or professional contexts.
The diplomat brushed aside the allegations, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Dismissal
Used when subtly disregarding someone's opinion or suggestion without giving it much consideration.
Despite the team's input, the manager brushed aside the concerns as minor.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Insult
Might imply the speaker considers the dismissed idea inferior, which can be slightly insulting.
He brushed aside her ideas, which she found quite disrespectful.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Confrontational
Non-confrontational way to disagree or not accept something, often used in polite or professional contexts.
The diplomat brushed aside the allegations, maintaining a calm demeanor.
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