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• brush-off
  brush-off

  noun

  a refusal to talk or listen to someone; abrupt or final dismissal or rebuff.
• brush off
  brush off

  verb

  to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp curtly

brush-off

American  

[bruhsh-awf, -of] / ˈbrʌʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

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

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brush off British  

verb

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

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noun

1. an abrupt dismissal or rejection

brush off Idioms  

1. 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).

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Etymology

Origin of brush-off

1945–50, noun use of verb phrase brush off

Example Sentences

Earlier in the day, Wall Street appeared to brush off hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation data and comments from the president about the possible strikes.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Financial planners who brush off crypto and reject it outright risk alienating these potential clients.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

He also sought to brush off speculation about his leadership saying he would lead his party into the next general election.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The mills had tried to brush off the suit by offering a donation to the foundation, Hening said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

I pick up the book, brush off the thin layer of dust.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau