BRUSH OFF – Phrasal Verb
What is the meaning of
BRUSH OFF?
English teaching for English Language Learners (ELL) who are learning to speak English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
brush off someone/something
brush someone/something off
Definition
to ignore, or treat someone or something as though unimportant
Examples:
1. I don’t think you should be brushing off your low grade. It could have a big impact on your overall average.
2. Famous people have to learn to brush off some of the criticism they receive.
3. They went on a date, but he said she’s difficult to get to know. Whenever he asked her anything personal, she just brushed him off.
Definition 2:
dust your body or clothing with your hand to clean it
Examples:
1. After we played with the dogs, we had to brush ourselves off.
2. Before he went onstage to give his acceptance speech, his brother brushed a small piece of lint off his suit jacket.
Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. Not all the definitions are shown here.
| present | BRUSH OFF |
| present participle | BRUSHING OFF |
| past | BRUSHED OFF |
| past participle | BRUSHED OFF |
