laugh away
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To dismiss, minimize, or attempt to deal with a problem, worry, or criticism by laughing or by pretending to find it amusing.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe a conscious or subconscious reaction to something negative. The person uses laughter not as a genuine expression of joy, but as a shield or a strategy to deflect seriousness, concern, or embarrassment. It often implies that the underlying issue is not being properly addressed.
Examples
- Whenever someone mentions his fear of flying, he just laughs it away.
- She laughed away the reporter's pointed question about the scandal.
- You can't just laugh away your responsibilities; they are still there.
- He tried to laugh away his embarrassment after tripping on stage.
Advanced Usage
- The object (the problem or criticism) can be placed between the verb and the particle (e.g., ) or after the particle (e.g., ).
- It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting avoidance or a lack of seriousness, though it can sometimes be seen as a coping mechanism.
Variants and Related Words
- Laugh off: This is a direct synonym and can be used interchangeably with "laugh away." (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Dismiss with laughter
- Brush off
- Make light of
- Shrug off
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Brush aside: To refuse to consider something seriously.
- Wave away: To dismiss something as unimportant.
Related Idioms
- To treat something as a joke: To not take something seriously.
- He treats all criticism as a joke.
Verb
- deal with a problem by laughing or pretending to be amused by it
- She laughs away all these problems