Question

in_the_loop_082 to be dismissed casually and almost cruelly The expression suggests the idea of brushing a small piece of lint or dirt from one’s clothing. It is usually used where one person is superior to (or thinks he is superior to) the other.

Accepted Answer

BRUSH-OFF, GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE Sue accepted John’s invitation to the dance, but when Wayne asked her to go, she gave John the brush-off and told him she didn’t want to go with him.The boss told me that he was busy right then and that I should come back later. I told him, “Don’t give me the brush-off. I deserve an honest answer from you.”

Id	in_the_loop_082
Idiom	BRUSH-OFF, GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE
Definition	to be dismissed casually and almost cruelly
Examples	Sue accepted John’s invitation to the dance, but when Wayne asked her to go, she gave John the brush-off and told him she didn’t want to go with him. The boss told me that he was busy right then and that I should come back later. I told him, “Don’t give me the brush-off. I deserve an honest answer from you.”
Extra Info	The expression suggests the idea of brushing a small piece of lint or dirt from one’s clothing. It is usually used where one person is superior to (or thinks he is superior to) the other.

Told I Brush Off Superior Loop Get/Give Dismissed Casually