give (one) the brush-off

give (one) the brush-off

To reject, snub, ignore, or rebuff one. I thought Rebecca was a good friend until she gave me the brush-off at a party last weekend. Teachers have accused local politicians of giving them the brush-off regarding proposed cuts to pensions and school funding. Be honest and tell John that you're not interested in dating anymore—don't just give him the brush-off.

See also: give

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give someone the brushoff

tv. to repel someone; to ignore someone. (see also brushoff.) The manager gave her the brushoff when she asked for a raise.

See also: brushoff, give, someone

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.