dust off the cobwebs
Revive neglected skills
To dust off the cobwebs is to return to something after a long absence, shaking off rust or neglect.
The image is of reviving what has sat unused: I need to dust off the cobwebs on my Spanish before the trip.
It applies to skills, knowledge, or objects that have fallen into disuse.
Sometimes shortened to dust off: Let me dust off my old guitar.
- sweepBrush clean with broom
- spring cleaningThorough annual household purge
- dormantInactive but capable
- rejuvenateRestore youthful vigor
- webInterwoven filament structure
stale · rekindle · revitalize · reawaken · brush · restart · forgotten · gather dust · unused · clean · outdated · limber · neglected · abandoned · obsolete · clutter · clear the air · warm up
dust off the cobwebsput on ice
Defer indefinitely
mothball · neglect · abandon · set aside · put on the back burner
dust off the cobwebsgive up on
abandon · let go of · leave behind · write off · bury
cobweb, cobwebs, dusts, dusted, dusting, duster, dustier, dustiest