# brush down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/brush-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To straighten up one's clothes and to tidy up one's appearance.

## Examples

- He stopped to brush down his coat before the interview.
- After walking through the dusty construction site, she took a moment to brush down her suit before meeting the client.
- Upon arriving at the gala, he paused in the foyer to brush down his tuxedo, ensuring he looked presentable for the evening's formal proceedings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.