brush off
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle off
Meanings
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant
Why “off”? Something unwanted is prevented from reaching or affecting you.
“He brushed off the criticism.”
“She brushed off my warning.”
Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly
Why “off”? A piece detaches from the whole. Contact with the body is broken.
“She brushed snow off her coat.”
“He brushed sand off his shoes.”
Refuse to talk to someone politely
“She brushed me off at the party.”
“The manager brushed off the young fan.”
Don't confuse with
Brush off means dismiss something or someone as unimportant. Brush aside means refuse to consider an objection or warning.
Test yourself
“He brushed off the criticism.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
brush aside
A contrast learners often mix up
Refuse to consider an objection or warning
back off
Same off pattern: separation
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
bite off
Same off pattern: separation
Remove a piece of something by biting it; Accept more work or responsibility than you can manage ("bite off more than you can chew"); Speak sharply and curtly
block off
Same off pattern: separation
Block access to an area or route; Reserve a period of time for a specific purpose
blow off
Same off pattern: separation
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
break off
Same off pattern: separation
Suddenly end a relationship, discussion, activity, or official contact; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; Take a short pause from an activity
chip off
Same off pattern: separation
Break a small piece from something
clear off
Same off pattern: separation
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay a debt completely
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