Dust off Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdəst/ /ˈɔf

DUHST-awf

UK

dˈʌst/ /ˈɒf

DUST-of

Definition

To remove dust from something, or to bring back a skill, activity, or object that hasn't been used in a long time.

Usage & Nuances

Often used figuratively: 'dust off' old skills, plans, or equipment when you need them again. Informal and common in conversation. You can also literally 'dust off' furniture or books.

• Spanish: sacar el polvo - desempolvar (literal y figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): tirar o pó - relembrar (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): tirar o pó - relembrar (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 擦去灰尘 - 重新拾起（比喻用法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 擦去灰塵 - 重新拾起（比喻用法）
• Hindi: धूल झाड़ना - फिर से अपनाना (रूपक अर्थ)
• Arabic: ينفض الغبار عن - يعيد استخدام (مجازي)
• Bengali: ধূলা ঝাড়া - পুরোনো কিছু আবার ব্যবহার করা
• Russian: смахнуть пыль - вернуть в употребление
• Japanese: ほこりを払う - 久しぶりに使う
• Vietnamese: phủi bụi - dùng lại (kỹ năng, vật)
• Korean: 먼지를 털다 - 오랜만에 다시 하다
• Turkish: tozunu almak - uzun süre sonra tekrar kullanmak
• Urdu: گرد صاف کرنا - دوبارہ استعمال کرنا
• Indonesian: membersihkan debu - menggunakan kembali

Example Sentences

I need to dust off the shelves in my room.

basic

She decided to dust off her old guitar and play some songs.

basic

Every spring, he dusts off his bike for a ride.

basic

Maybe it’s time to dust off that resume and start looking for a new job.

natural

She had to dust off her French before traveling to Paris.

natural

Let’s dust off those old family games and have some fun tonight.

natural