Brush away Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɹəʃ/ /əˈweɪ

BRUHSH uh-WAY

UK

bɹˈʌʃ/ /ɐwˈeɪ

brUHSH uh-WAY

Definition

To quickly move something away using your hand or a brush; can also mean to ignore or dismiss something, especially worries or doubts.

Usage & Nuances

Used both literally (removing dirt, crumbs, etc.) and figuratively (dismissing feelings or concerns). Often followed by the thing being removed: 'brush away tears', 'brush away crumbs'. Figurative usage is slightly formal or poetic.

• Spanish: quitar (con un cepillo/mano) - apartar (físicamente) - ignorar (figuradamente)
• Portuguese (BR): afastar (com pincel/mão) - ignorar (sentido figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): afastar (com pincel/mão) - ignorar (sentido figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 拂去 - 摒弃（抽象用法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 拂去 - 摒棄（抽象用法）
• Hindi: हटा देना (ब्रश से/हाथ से) - नजरअंदाज करना (भावनाएँ, विचार)
• Arabic: يزيل (بفرشاة/باليد) - يتجاهل (بمعنى مجازي)
• Bengali: ঝেড়ে ফেলা - সরিয়ে ফেলা - উপেক্ষা করা
• Russian: смахнуть - отмахнуться
• Japanese: 払いのける - 無視する
• Vietnamese: phủi đi - gạt bỏ
• Korean: 털어내다 - 무시하다
• Turkish: süpürüp atmak - görmezden gelmek
• Urdu: جھاڑ دینا - نظر انداز کرنا
• Indonesian: menyingkirkan - mengabaikan

Example Sentences

She used her hand to brush away the crumbs from the table.

basic

He tried to brush away his fears before the exam.

basic

Anna silently brushed away her tears.

basic

You can't just brush away your problems forever.

natural

He just laughed and brushed away their criticism.

natural

Before leaving, she brushed away the dust from her coat.

natural