# shake off the dust from one's feet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shake-off-the-dust-from-ones-feet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He decided to shake the dust from his feet and leave that town.
- After years of working in a toxic office, she finally quit and shook the dust from her feet.
- 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.

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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.