Phrasal verb
brush aside
To brush aside means to dismiss something as unimportant or ignore it.
Meanings
To dismiss an idea, concern, or criticism and not take it seriously.
To reject a suggestion or request quickly, without careful consideration.
Definition
To brush aside something is to treat it as not important and refuse to consider it seriously. People often brush aside warnings, complaints, or suggestions when they do not want to deal with them. It can also suggest a quick, careless attitude toward another person’s concerns.
Examples
- She tried to warn them, but they brushed aside her concerns.
- Don’t brush aside the symptoms—see a doctor.
- He brushed aside the criticism and changed the subject.
- The manager brushed aside our suggestion without listening.
- They brushed aside the complaint as a misunderstanding.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the object and say “brush aside” alone, but it is usually followed by what is being dismissed (e.g., “brush aside his advice”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.