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, 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

Against Texas A&M, he brushed off his performance in the first three quarters to lead USC on three touchdown drives in the fourth.

From Los Angeles Times

In the process, she brushes off Madison, who seems desperate to talk.

From Los Angeles Times

He thanked me for the “most perfect date” and brushed off the bite.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Channon said she and her husband Rob "have frequently been brushed off" and ignored, however they now feel the health board has listened.

From BBC

Gunn brushed off questions about Superman’s archetypal American symbolism, telling the Times of London in an interview that his own market research found that international audiences viewed the Man of Steel as a global figure.

From Los Angeles Times