Pronunciation: [bɹˈʌʃ ˈə͡ʊvə] (IPA) 
The phrase "brush over" is commonly spelled with the letters B-R-U-S-H O-V-E-R. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /brʌʃ ˈoʊvər/. The first syllable, "bruhsh," is pronounced with a short u sound and the sh sound. The second syllable, "o-vuh," has an oh sound and a short u sound. "Brush over" means to quickly or superficially cover a topic or issue without going into detail.
The phrase "brush over" is a phrasal verb meaning to briefly or superficially discuss or mention something without giving it the attention or thorough consideration it deserves. The term is often used to describe a situation when a topic or issue is not thoroughly addressed or is intentionally ignored in order to move on quickly or avoid delving into the details.
When someone "brushes over" a subject, they may give it only cursory attention or mention it in passing. This can happen during a conversation, a meeting, or even in a written document. By brushing over a topic, the person may be trying to downplay its significance or avoid a deeper analysis that may require time or effort.
For example, if a person is discussing a complex problem during a meeting, they may brush over some of the underlying causes or potential solutions in order to wrap up the discussion quickly. Similarly, in a document or article, an author may brush over certain points to save space or because they do not consider them crucial to the main topic.
However, brushing over a subject can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for in-depth exploration. It can also indicate a lack of interest, knowledge, or willingness to engage with the topic. Therefore, it is important to be aware of when someone is brushing over a subject and to strive for clarity and thoroughness when discussing or writing about important matters.
The phrase "brush over" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "brush" and "over".
- "Brush" originated in the mid-14th century from the Old French word "broisse", which means "a brushwood, brushwood hurdle". It later came to refer to the act of sweeping with a brush or any tool with bristles or stiffness, making cleaning or painting easier. Over time, "brush" also acquired additional meanings, such as to touch lightly or graze against something.
- "Over" is a preposition, and it has been in existence since the Old English period, derived from Germanic origins. It denotes movement or position across or from one side to another.
When combined, "brush over" typically means to quickly or lightly skim over or skip something, often implying a lack of thoroughness or attention to detail.
