not see (one) for dust

not see (one) for dust

To not see one because they have suddenly disappeared or quickly departed. If I won the lottery, you would not see me for dust! After Greg got that big job offer, we did not see him for dust.

See also: dust, not, see

not see someone for dust

BRITISH

If you can't see someone for dust, they have left somewhere very quickly. Come the dawn, I couldn't see him for dust. Once I've saved enough money, you won't see me for dust. Note: The image here is of someone galloping away on a horse, so that all you see is the cloud of dust kicked up by the horse's feet.

See also: dust, not, see, someone

not see someone for dust

find that a person has made a hasty departure.

1978 Patricia Grace Mutuwhenua You didn't see this Maori for dust…Out the door, on the bike, and away.

See also: dust, not, see, someone

not see somebody for ˈdust

(informal) not see somebody because they have left a place very quickly: If I ever win a lot of money, you won’t see me for dust. I’ll be on the next plane for New York.

See also: dust, not, see, somebody