ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shake off the dust from one's feet

idiom
Meaning

To separate oneself from something unpleasant; to leave a place for good.


Examples
SIMPLE

He decided to shake the dust from his feet and leave that town.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of working in a toxic office, she finally quit and shook the dust from her feet.

COMPLEX

Having endured the stifling atmosphere of his hometown for too long, he packed his bags and shook the dust from his feet, never intending to return.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026