Laugh off Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫæf/ /ˈɔf
LAF-awf
lˈɑːf/ /ˈɒf
LAAF-of
Definition
To treat something serious as if it is not important by making a joke or by laughing about it.
Usage & Nuances
This is informal and often used for dismissing criticism, embarrassment, or awkward situations. Common as 'laugh off a problem' or 'laugh off a mistake.' Suggests avoidance or hiding true feelings.
Spanish: tomarse a risa - quitarle importancia (bromeando)Portuguese (BR): levar na brincadeira - desprezar (com riso)Portuguese (PT): levar a rir - desvalorizar (a rir)Chinese (Simplified): 一笑置之 - 轻描淡写地一笑了之Chinese (Traditional): 一笑置之 - 輕描淡寫地一笑了之Hindi: हँसकर टाल देनाArabic: يضحك على الأمر - يتجاهل الأمر ضاحكًاBengali: হাস্যকরভাবে উড়িয়ে দেওয়া - হাসিমুখে এড়িয়ে যাওয়াRussian: отшутиться - отмахнуться с улыбкойJapanese: 笑い飛ばすVietnamese: cười xòa - cười cho quaKorean: 웃어넘기다 - 웃음으로 무마하다Turkish: gülüp geçmek - şakayla geçiştirmekUrdu: ہنس کر ٹال دینا - مذاق میں اُڑا دیناIndonesian: menertawakan - menertawakan untuk mengabaikan
Example Sentences
He tried to laugh off his mistake in class.
basic
She always laughs off rude comments.
basic
We tried to laugh off the awkward moment.
basic
Instead of apologizing, he just laughed off the whole thing.
natural
She tried to laugh off the rumors, but you could tell she was hurt.
natural
If people tease me, I usually just laugh it off.
natural