The spelling of the phrase "brush away" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "brush" is pronounced as /brʌʃ/, with a short "u" sound, an "r" sound, and a "sh" sound. The word "away" is pronounced as /əˈweɪ/, with a schwa sound, a long "a" sound, and a "y" sound. When combined, the phrase is pronounced as /brʌʃ əˈweɪ/. This phrase is often used to describe the action of physically removing something with a brush.
Brush away is a phrasal verb that typically means to remove or dismiss something, such as dirt, dust, or a problem, by using a brushing or sweeping motion. It involves physically or metaphorically getting rid of something by brushing or pushing it aside.
In its literal sense, to brush away means to remove particles from a surface by brushing or sweeping them aside. For instance, you might brush away dirt or crumbs from a tablecloth or sweep away fallen leaves from your porch. This action is usually done swiftly and casually, with the intention of cleaning or tidying up.
In a figurative manner, brush away refers to dismissing or disregarding something, often an issue or a concern. This can be seen as distancing oneself from a problem or giving it little importance. For example, if someone mentions a potential setback, you might brush it away by minimizing its impact or showing little concern.
The phrase can also imply ignoring or pushing aside emotions or feelings. For instance, if someone tries to hide their tears or sadness, they might brush away their emotions, attempting to conceal or suppress them.
Overall, brush away encompasses both literal actions of physically removing or tidying up, as well as metaphorical acts of dismissing, disregarding, or suppressing something.
The word "brush" has origins in the Middle English word "brushen", which meant "to move lightly by brushing against". It likely derived from the Old French word "broisse", meaning "a brushwood". "Brush" is believed to have entered the English language around the 14th century. The term "away" is an adverbial particle or an intensifier, emphasizing the action of brushing. Therefore, "brush away" essentially means to remove or dismiss something by lightly moving it with a brush or sweeping motion.