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Grammar fix

brush aside

dismiss (figurative)

to refuse to consider something seriously, especially someone’s opinion, suggestion, or concern, by treating it as unimportant or irrelevant

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The manager brushed aside all our suggestions without even listening.communication
  • Some politicians tend to brush aside public criticism, which can lead to a lack of trust in government.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: brush aside + noun (idea/concern/suggestion/criticism)

WrongHe brushed aside of their concerns.

RightHe brushed aside their concerns.

Takes the object directly — no 'of'.

Patternbrush aside + noun (idea/concern/suggestion/criticism)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He peremptorily disregarded their objections as inconsequential.

Natural He just brushed aside their objections.

'Peremptorily disregarded as inconsequential' is formal; 'brush aside' is the natural verb.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • brush aside + objection
    concernsobjectionscriticismquestions

Don't confuse it

Unlike the literal meaning of 'brush aside' (to physically move something out of the way), this sense is figurative and refers to dismissing ideas or concerns, not objects.

Try it in Daily Speak →