brush on

Thân thiện

She uses a small brush to brush on a layer of glaze over the warm pastry.

Definition

Verb (transitive): To apply a liquid, semi-liquid, or loose substance onto a surface using a brush in a light, often casual or even manner.

Usage

The verb "brush on" describes the specific action of using a brush as a tool to coat, spread, or apply a substance. It often implies a light, thin, or careful application. The object being applied (e.g., paint, glaze, oil) follows the preposition "on," which is then followed by the target surface.

Examples

• She carefully brushed on a layer of varnish to protect the wooden table.
• For the recipe, you need to brush on the melted butter before baking.
• The artist brushed on the final highlights to complete the portrait.

Advanced Usage

• "to brush something on": This structure emphasizes the substance being applied.
  • The decorator brushed the gold leaf on with a delicate touch.
• The phrasal verb can be used in a figurative sense to describe applying a quality in a light or superficial way.
  • The speaker brushed on the topic of economics but didn't delve into details.

Variants and Related Words

• Brush (verb): The base verb meaning to clean, smooth, or apply with a brush. "Brush on" is a more specific application.
• Paint on (phrasal verb): Similar action, but typically restricted to using paint.
• Apply (verb): A more general synonym for putting something onto a surface.

Synonyms

• Apply (with a brush)
• Coat
• Spread
• Daub

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brush off: To remove something by brushing; to dismiss or ignore someone or something.
  • He brushed off the dust from his coat. / She brushed off the criticism.
• Brush up (on): To improve or refresh one's knowledge or skill.
  • I need to brush up on my French before the trip.

Related Idioms

• (To have) a brush with (something): To have a brief or slight experience with something, often something dangerous or notable.
  • He had a brush with the law in his youth.
  • (Note: This idiom uses "brush" as a noun, not the phrasal verb "brush on.")

Học thuật

Verb

1. apply with a brush
   • Brush butter on the roast