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brush away — to remove something (like dust, dirt, or tears) with quick light strokes using a hand or brush

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to remove something (like dust, dirt, or tears) with quick light strokes using a hand or brush

Pronunciation (IPA): /brʌʃ əˈweɪ/

Example Sentences

  • The government official brushed away reporters' questions with a fake smile, but everyone knew something was wrong.
  • My grandmother brushed away my tears and told me everything would be okay.
  • He tried to brush away the mosquito, but it kept coming back like an annoying ex.

brush away

VERB

[/brʌʃ əˈweɪ/]

to remove something (like dust, dirt, or tears) with quick light strokes using a hand or brush

She tried to brush away his worries with a warm smile and a soft pat.
💡 Concept

She tried to brush away his worries with a warm smile and a soft pat.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/brʌʃ əˈweɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/brʌʃ əˈweɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootbrush
Suffix-away

Origin

From Old French 'broisse' (brushwood used for sweeping) combined with Old English 'aweg' meaning 'on the way, off, gone'.

Breakdown

brush (to sweep with bristles) + away (completely removed/gone)

🎵Rhyme

away
day
way
say
play

🔗Collocations

brush away tears
brush away crumbs
brush away doubts
brush away criticism
brush away concerns
brush away dust
brush away a fly

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The government official brushed away reporters' questions with a fake smile, but everyone knew something was wrong.”

“My grandmother brushed away my tears and told me everything would be okay.”

😄 Fun example

“He tried to brush away the mosquito, but it kept coming back like an annoying ex.”

“Public servants should not brush away citizens' complaints; they must address them seriously.”

“She brushed away the idea of quitting her job, even though her boss was a nightmare.”

📚Related Words

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