brush-off

[ bruhsh-awf, -of ]

noun

1. a refusal to talk or listen to someone; abrupt or final dismissal or rebuff.

brush off

verb

1. to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp curtly

noun

1. an abrupt dismissal or rejection

Word History and Origins

Origin of brush-off¹

1945–50, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase brush off

Idioms and Phrases

Dismiss or rebuff, as in Roberta brushed off the poor reviews with a shrug , or You can't brush off a boyfriend and expect him to do you a favor . This expression, transferring sweeping off crumbs to a curt dismissal, was first recorded about 1820. However, it became common usage only in the 1930s. Also see give someone the air (brush off) .

Example Sentences

“You’re not on the list,” he was told twice by a Troubadour doorman, and given the brush-off.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics say the brush-off is a bad look for the leader of the free world and hurts U.S. diplomatic relations.

From Washington Times

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission said it was the result of systemic racism, doubting that the water switch and the brush-off of complaints in the majority-Black city would have occurred in a white, prosperous community.

From Washington Times

Border experts were stunned by the president’s brush-off.

From Washington Times

She's not, of course, and both her initial brush-off of Nori as well as her rush to say a wrenching farewell at the last moment are the most painfully real parts of this hour.

From Salon