Differences between brush off and swan off

Brush off means to dismiss or ignore someone or something, while swan off means to leave a place in a confident and often arrogant manner.

Meanings and Definitions: brush off vs swan off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Brush off

1Ignore, pay little attention.
The minister BRUSHED OFF the criticism.

Swan off

1Leave somewhere in a defiant or pompous manner.
He didn't like the way the spoke to him so he SWANNED OFF angrily.

Usage Examples: brush off, swan off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

brush off

Example

She always brushes off my advice.

Example

He brushes off any negative comments about his work.

swan off

Example

She didn't like the way they treated her, so she swanned off in a huff.

Example

He always swans off when he doesn't get his way.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Brush off

ignore

To pay no attention to someone or something.

Example

He decided to ignore his friend's advice and do what he wanted.

dismiss

To reject or refuse to consider someone or something.

Example

The manager decided to dismiss the proposal since it didn't align with the company's goals.

shrug off

To disregard or minimize the importance of something.

Example

She decided to shrug off the negative comments and focus on her goals.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Swan off

strut away

To walk away confidently and often arrogantly.

Example

After winning the game, he strutted away from the field with his head held high.

saunter off

To walk away leisurely and confidently.

Example

She decided to saunter off after finishing her presentation, feeling proud of her work.

march off

To walk away purposefully and often with determination.

Example

After quitting his job, he marched off from the office, ready to start a new chapter in his life.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “brush”

Phrasal Verbs with “swan”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in brush off vs swan off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: brush off or swan off?

In daily conversation, people use brush off more often than swan off. This is because brush off is used for more common situations such as ignoring someone's opinion or rejecting an idea. Swan off is not used as much and is considered a more informal expression.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of brush off and swan off

Brush off and swan off are both informal phrases that are not suitable for formal settings like business or academic contexts. Using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of brush off and swan off

The tone of brush off and swan off can differ based on context. Brush off often carries a dismissive or rude tone when related to ignoring someone or something, while swan off typically has a confident and sometimes arrogant tone, especially when referring to leaving a situation or place.

brush off & swan off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Brush off

Synonyms

Antonyms

acknowledge
address
consider
heed
respect
pay attention
take seriously
value

Swan off

Synonyms

storm off
stomp off
march off
flounce off
walk off
leave abruptly
depart angrily

Antonyms

arrive
enter
appear
stay
remain
come in
show up