laugh away
B2 informal separable both
In simple words
To laugh at a problem or worry so that it stops feeling serious; or to spend time laughing and having fun.
Literal meaning: To send something 'away' through laughter — as if laughter propels the problem out of sight.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To dismiss a worry, awkward moment, or problem by responding with laughter.
"He laughed away his nervousness with a couple of self-deprecating jokes."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal
To spend time laughing happily and continuously.
"The cousins laughed away the entire afternoon, sharing old family stories."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Less common than 'laugh off'. The dismissive sense (laugh away a problem) is slightly more literary. The durational sense (laughing away the afternoon) is also found. Both senses convey a light, positive energy.
Commonly used with
worries fears tension afternoon evening awkwardness
Forms
Base
laugh away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laughs away
he/she/it
Past simple
laughed away
yesterday
Past participle
laughed away
have + pp
-ing form
laughing away
continuous
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Synonyms
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