dust off

To remove the thin layer of dry dirt covering something.

• Dust off the chair before you sit down.
• She dusted the shelves off with a soft cloth.
• I have dusted off the table, but the floor still needs cleaning.

How to use it: dust something off (Please dust the table off before setting the plates down.)

Similar words: dust, clean

Common phrases: dust off furniture, dust something off, dust off shelves

To start using something that you have not used for a long time.

• I should dust off my old guitar.
• We dusted off our camping equipment for a weekend away.
• Why not dust that idea off and try it again?

How to use it: dust something off (He dusted his old notes off before teaching the course again.)

Similar words: revive, bring back, reuse

Common phrases: dust off something, dust off skills, dust off plans

To use something again after leaving it unused for a long time.

• It is time to dust off my bike.
• She dusted off an old business plan and found a new investor.
• You might need to dust your Spanish off before the trip.

How to use it: dust something off (I dusted my old guitar off and started playing again.)

Similar words: revive, bring back, reuse

Common phrases: dust off something, dust off plans, dust off skills

To leave someone, especially a person you were in a romantic relationship with.

• He dusted her off without a word.
• She feared her boyfriend would dust her off for another woman.
• He had dusted off two partners before he met Jane.

How to use it: dust someone off (He dusted her off when he met someone else.)

Similar words: dump, jilt, abandon

Common phrases: dust someone off, dust off someone