# not see someone for dust

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-see-someone-for-dust
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To not see someone at all; implying a hasty departure.

## Examples

- He took the money and I did not see him for dust.
- As soon as the boss mentioned the extra work, the intern left and we did not see him for dust.
- The thief snatched the purse from the counter and vanished into the crowd, and we did not see him for dust.

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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.