give someone the brush-off
Rudely push away
To give someone the brush-off is to dismiss or reject them in a curt, abrupt manner.
The phrase suggests sweeping someone away like dust, offering little explanation or courtesy.
It often applies to romantic rejections but works in any context where someone is coldly rebuffed: I tried to apologize but she gave me the brush-off.
The related noun brush-off names the act itself: He got the brush-off when he asked for a raise.
- dismissSend away or reject
- ignoreRefuse to notice
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- rejectDismiss as unsuitable
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
give the cold shoulder · freeze out · spurn · blow off · turn down · decline · cold shoulder · brush aside · refuse · repudiate · shun · kiss-off · slight · avoid · leave high and dry · turn a blind eye · disdain · ostracize
give someone the brush-offroll out the red carpet
Welcome someone with great ceremony
embrace · usher in · fawn over · wine and dine · court
give someone the brush-offlend an ear
Listen with sympathy
be all ears · focus on · acknowledge · take seriously · prioritize