laugh off
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To not let something bother you by laughing about it instead of taking it seriously.
Literal meaning: To push something 'off' — away from you — using laughter; the laugh sends the unpleasant thing away.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To dismiss a criticism, embarrassment, or insult by laughing and acting as if it doesn't matter.
"She laughed off the negative review, saying every great artist gets misunderstood at first."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To dismiss a minor injury or setback with humour, refusing to treat it as serious.
"The player laughed off a knock to his shoulder and carried on with the game."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in both British and American English. The laughter may be genuine or slightly forced — a social tool to show that something doesn't bother you. Often used in contexts of criticism, injury, or embarrassment.
Commonly used with
criticism injury embarrassment accusation insult setback
Forms
Base
laugh off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laughs off
he/she/it
Past simple
laughed off
yesterday
Past participle
laughed off
have + pp
-ing form
laughing off
continuous
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Synonyms
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