brush off

brush off or give the brush off  {v. phr.}

1. To refuse to hear or believe; quickly and impatiently; not take seriously or think important.

John brushed off Bill's warning that he might fall from the tree.

I said that it might rain and to take the bus, but Joe gave my idea the brushoff.

Father cut his finger but he brushed it off as not important and kept working.

2.  {informal} To be unfriendly to; not talk or pay attention to (someone); get rid of.

Mary brushed off Bill at the dance.

I said hello to Mr. Smith, but he gave me the brushoff.

Compare: COLD SHOULDER, HIGH-HAT.

Contrast: GET THE BRUSH OFF.