Explain away Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To try to make something seem less important or serious by giving excuses or reasons, often to avoid blame or responsibility.

Usage & Nuances

Semi-formal or informal; often implies the excuse is not convincing or is seen as an attempt to avoid criticism. Used with objects: 'explain away a mistake', 'explain away concerns'. Do not confuse with simply 'explain', which is neutral.

• Spanish: justificar - quitar importancia (con excusas) - dar explicaciones para evitar culpa
• Portuguese (BR): justificar - minimizar (com explicações) - explicar para evitar culpa
• Portuguese (PT): justificar - minimizar (com explicações) - explicar para evitar culpa
• Chinese (Simplified): 辩解 - 找借口推脱责任
• Chinese (Traditional): 辯解 - 找藉口推脫責任
• Hindi: साफ़-साफ़ बहाना बनाना - छोटी बात बताना (बहाना देकर)
• Arabic: تبرير - التقليل من شأن (بتفسيرات)
• Bengali: জবাবদিহি এড়ানো - অজুহাত দেখিয়ে হালকা করা
• Russian: отмахиваться от (проблемы) - оправдываться
• Japanese: 言い逃れる - 弁解する
• Vietnamese: chối bỏ - biện minh cho
• Korean: 변명하다 - 얼버무리다
• Turkish: mazeret göstermek - geçiştirmek
• Urdu: عذر پیش کرنا - ٹال مٹول کرنا
• Indonesian: mengelak - mencari-cari alasan

Example Sentences

He always tries to explain away his bad grades, but the truth is he never studies.

natural

Politicians sometimes try to explain away scandals rather than address the real issues.

natural

Don't try to explain away the problem.

basic

He tried to explain away his mistake to the teacher.

basic

She couldn't explain away why she was late.

basic

You can't just explain away her worries with a simple answer.

natural