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Phrasal verb

brush aside

phrasal verb
/ˌbrʌʃ əˈsaɪd/

Meanings

phrasal verb

To dismiss an idea, concern, or criticism and not take it seriously.

Visual cue for brush aside — meaning 1
phrasal verb

To reject a suggestion or request quickly, without careful consideration.

Visual cue for brush aside — meaning 2

Definition

To brush aside means to dismiss something as unimportant or ignore it.

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.