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

Newsom brushed off the ad as “politics,” but Rexroad said the governor’s approval ratings in swing districts in California make him an easy foil for the GOP.

From Los Angeles Times

In a tweet following the show, Girdusky tried to brush off the comments as a joke and claimed that his removal from the show was representative of CNN’s values.

From Salon

Duran is clearly a big part of the club's future plans, with Emery brushing off the player's reaction when he came off, saying he had "no problem" with it.

From BBC

Donald Trump’s supporters brush off his threats against democracy, but past performance gives us every reason to believe he’ll do exactly as he says.

From Los Angeles Times

The singer said that when she reported the incident, her concerns had been brushed off.

From BBC