Brush off Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹəʃ/ /ˈɔf
BRUHSH-awf
bɹˈʌʃ/ /ˈɒf
brUSH-of
Definition
To quickly ignore or dismiss someone or something, often in a rude or careless way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and common in speech. Often describes dismissing people, ideas, or concerns. Different from 'brush up' (improve skills). Typical in phrases like 'She brushed him off' or 'He gave me the brush-off' (noun form). Implies lack of attention or care.
Spanish: ignorar - despreciarPortuguese (BR): ignorar - desprezarPortuguese (PT): ignorar - desprezarChinese (Simplified): 冷漠对待 - 不理睬Chinese (Traditional): 冷漠對待 - 不理睬Hindi: नज़रअंदाज़ करना - अनदेखा करनाArabic: يتجاهل - يرفض باستخفافBengali: উপেক্ষা করা - এড়িয়ে যাওয়াRussian: отмахнуться - проигнорироватьJapanese: 無視する - 軽くあしらうVietnamese: phớt lờ - bỏ quaKorean: 무시하다 - 퉁명스럽게 대하다Turkish: umursamamak - başından savmakUrdu: نظرانداز کرنا - ٹال دیناIndonesian: mengabaikan - menepis
Example Sentences
He tried to talk to her, but she brushed off his question.
basic
My boss brushed off my idea during the meeting.
basic
Don't brush off your problems, talk about them.
basic
She just brushed off all the criticism like it was nothing.
natural
Whenever I try to help, he just brushes me off.
natural
"I tried to ask her out, but she totally brushed me off," he said.
natural