Brush off
verb
To dismiss or ignore someone or something in an indifferent or superior way.
She brushed off his advances, making it clear she wasn't interested.
Often appears as...
- brush off someone's advances
- brush off a suggestion
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To remove something by using a brush.
He brushed off the dust from his jacket and put it on.
Often appears as...
- brush off dust
- brush off crumbs
verb
To overcome a difficulty or obstacle without letting it affect you.
She managed to brush off the failure and tried again.
Often appears as...
- brush off a setback
- brush off a failure
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To dismiss or ignore someone or something in an indifferent or superior way.
She brushed off his advances, making it clear she wasn't interested.
Often appears as...
- brush off someone's advances
- brush off a suggestion
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To remove something by using a brush.
He brushed off the dust from his jacket and put it on.
Often appears as...
- brush off dust
- brush off crumbs
verb
To overcome a difficulty or obstacle without letting it affect you.
She managed to brush off the failure and tried again.
Often appears as...
- brush off a setback
- brush off a failure
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Social Nuance
'Brush off' can imply disrespect or a lack of interest when used in social contexts.
When I started talking about my job, he just brushed me off.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Rudeness
The phrase may be perceived as rude or abrasive, especially if done publicly.
She brushed off his concerns in front of everyone at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Brush Off
'Brush off' can be done through body language, not just words.
He brushed off her questions with a wave of his hand.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Nuance
'Brush off' can imply disrespect or a lack of interest when used in social contexts.
When I started talking about my job, he just brushed me off.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Rudeness
The phrase may be perceived as rude or abrasive, especially if done publicly.
She brushed off his concerns in front of everyone at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Brush Off
'Brush off' can be done through body language, not just words.
He brushed off her questions with a wave of his hand.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Nuance
'Brush off' can imply disrespect or a lack of interest when used in social contexts.
When I started talking about my job, he just brushed me off.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Rudeness
The phrase may be perceived as rude or abrasive, especially if done publicly.
She brushed off his concerns in front of everyone at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Brush Off
'Brush off' can be done through body language, not just words.
He brushed off her questions with a wave of his hand.
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