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brush off — 2 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb2 meanings
brush offsame phrase

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refuse to listen to someone or accept something

When I tried to talk to my manager about the problem, she just brushed me off.

dismiss as unimportant

The company tried to brush off the environmental concerns raised by the community.

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Meanings in detail

2. dismiss as unimportant

C1neutralboth

To treat a problem, idea, or criticism as if it is not worth serious attention, often in order to minimize its significance.

The company tried to brush off the environmental concerns raised by the community.

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