Meaning trap
brush off
dismiss as unimportant
To treat a problem, idea, or criticism as if it is not worth serious attention, often in order to minimize its significance.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To treat a problem, idea, or criticism as if it is not worth serious attention, often in order to minimize its significance.
'brush off' also has the more basic meaning 'refuse to listen to someone or accept something'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The company tried to brush off the environmental concerns raised by the community.argumentation
- Some governments tend to brush off public criticism, which can undermine trust and accountability.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: brush off + noun (concern/criticism/suggestion/complaint)
WrongShe brushed away the criticism.
RightShe brushed off the criticism. / She brushed the criticism off.
For dismissing, it's 'brush OFF', not 'brush away'.
Patternbrush off + noun (concern/criticism/suggestion/complaint)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Dismissively minimised the significance' is wordy; 'brushed off' carries it in two words.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
brush off + criticismcriticismconcernsthe rumoursit
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B2 sense ('ignore someone'), this sense focuses on minimizing the importance of an idea, problem, or criticism, not simply ignoring a person.
Related
- brush off (refuse to listen to someone or accept something) — 'brush off' also has the more basic meaning 'refuse to listen to someone or accept something'; this is the advanced sense.