brush aside

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Explanation of "Brush Aside"

Definition: "Brush aside" is a phrasal verb that means to reject or ignore something or someone, usually in a way that shows you don’t think it is important.

Examples:

1. Simple Example:

   • When her friend expressed concern about her health, she brushed it aside, saying she was fine.

2. Advanced Example:

   • The committee brushed aside any objections to the new policy, insisting that the changes were necessary for progress.

Different Meanings:

• "Brush aside" can also suggest a physical action, such as moving something out of the way, but it is mostly used in a figurative sense.

Synonyms:

• Dismiss
• Ignore
• Disregard
• Reject
• Overlook

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• "Turn a blind eye": This means to ignore something that you know is wrong.
• "Sweep under the rug": This means to hide something rather than dealing with it.

Word Variants:

• Brush-off (noun): This is a noun form that refers to an act of dismissing someone or something.

  • Example: When he asked for advice, she gave him a quick brush-off.

• Brushing (verb): The action of using a brush, but in this context, it can also refer to the act of brushing aside concerns or issues.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "brush aside" can be used in formal writing or discussions to emphasize the importance of acknowledging issues that are often ignored.

Academic

Verb

1. bar from attention or consideration
   • She dismissed his advances

Synonyms

• dismiss
• disregard
• brush off
• discount
• push aside
• ignore