Sometimes, people dismiss what we say or act as if it doesn’t matter at all. That feeling of being ignored or lightly dismissed is exactly what the idiom “brush off” captures. Today, we’ll explore its meaning, origin, examples, and even similar phrases.
Meaning of “Brush off”
The idiom “brush off” describes the act of ignoring, dismissing, or treating something as unimportant.
It has two main uses:
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To ignore or dismiss someone or something deliberately
Often involves emotions, opinions, or requests. -
To remove something lightly or quickly
Literally brushing dust, dirt, or debris off a surface.
In short: “Brush off” means to dismiss, ignore, or quickly get rid of something without giving it much attention. Context is important, as it can describe both emotional and physical actions.
Origin of “Brush off”
The phrase comes from the literal act of brushing something away. The verb brush has existed in English since the Middle Ages, meaning to sweep or clean lightly.
By the early 19th century, English speakers began using brush off metaphorically. Just as dust can be brushed off a coat effortlessly, ideas, warnings, or criticisms could be dismissed in the same way. This figurative use caught on quickly because it perfectly captures the emotion of casually ignoring something without much thought.
Examples in Sentences
Here are examples showing how “brush off” works in different situations:
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She tried to warn him about the problem, but he brushed it off and kept working.
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Don’t brush off customer complaints; they often highlight real issues.
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He brushed off the criticism by saying it didn’t matter to him.
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I asked for help, but my request was brushed off as unimportant.
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She brushed the dust off her jacket before entering the meeting.
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The manager brushed off the rumor, calling it completely unfounded.
The idiom fits both emotional reactions and literal actions, depending on the context.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
If “brush off” feels familiar, these idioms carry a similar meaning:
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Shrug off — To ignore something casually, suggesting emotional detachment.
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Turn a blind eye — To intentionally ignore something you know is happening.
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Dismiss out of hand — To reject an idea immediately without consideration (more formal).
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Pay no mind — To choose not to focus on or worry about something.
Each phrase shares the idea of ignoring or minimizing importance, but tone and formality can vary.
Sometimes brushing things off can be healthy, especially when negativity isn’t useful. But brushing off the wrong things—like valuable advice—can mean missing opportunities to grow and improve.
Wrapping it all up, “brush off” is a vivid and versatile idiom that conveys dismissal or ignoring in both emotional and physical contexts. Its literal roots make the figurative meaning easy to visualize and use. Do you use “brush off” in your conversations? Share your examples in the comments and see how others use it too!