1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To treat someone's question, suggestion, or attempt at contact with dismissive indifference.
"She tried to speak to the manager but was brushed off by the receptionist."
separable
brush off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To dismiss someone or something in a curt, dismissive way, or to remove something from a surface by brushing.
In plain English
To ignore someone or treat them as if they don't matter, or to brush dirt off something.
What does "brush off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To remove dirt, crumbs, or debris from a surface or clothing by brushing.
"She brushed the sand off her towel and folded it up."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To treat a criticism or setback lightly and move on without being affected by it.
"A seasoned performer, she brushed off the negative reviews and carried on."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sweep particles off a surface — extended to mean sweeping away a person's words or presence as if they were mere dust.
Actually means
To ignore someone or treat them as if they don't matter, or to brush dirt off something.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. The dismissive sense is frequently used as a noun ('give someone the brush-off'). Both senses are widely used in British and American English. Implies a casual or even rude disregard.
Words that pair with "brush off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
criticism comment request crumbs dust insult
How to conjugate "brush off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
brush off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brushes off
he/she/it
Past simple
brushed off
yesterday
Past participle
brushed off
have + pp
-ing form
brushing off
continuous
Hear "brush off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "brush off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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