brush off (someone/something)

to not accept someone or something as being important.

When she told me my project would be a better television film than a feature film, I thought she was brushing me off.

But the prime minister brushed off that criticism, saying it was just talk.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of brush something off (= to remove something from a surface by moving your hand quickly over it)

• a stab in the back
• a stag night
• a stag party
• a stalking horse
• a standard-bearer
• a steady hand on the tiller
• a step in the right direction
• as the crow flies
• as the spirit moves
• as the spirit moves you
• as they come
• as things stand
• a sticking point
• a stick-in-the-mud
• a stick to beat someone with
• a stick to beat something with
• a stiff upper lip
• a sting in the tail
• a stitch in time.
• a stitch in time saves nine.
• a stone's throw
• a stool pigeon
• a storm in a teacup
• as to the manner born
• as tough as nails