bat away
To push something away by hitting at it; to refuse to deal with questions or criticism by avoiding or dismissing them.
Meanings
To push or knock something away from you with a swift hitting motion.
"She batted away the mosquitoes as she tried to read."
To deflect or dismiss questions, criticism, or challenges without addressing them directly.
"The minister batted away every difficult question at the press conference."
To continue hitting or striking repeatedly without stopping (keep batting away).
"He kept batting away at the piñata until it finally broke open."
Used literally for physical deflection (e.g. batting away insects or a ball) and figuratively for deflecting questions, criticism, or unwanted attention. Common in journalism to describe politicians or celebrities avoiding questions.
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Forms
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