English Reference

Phrasal verb

sweep aside

Definition

phrasal verb. to ignore something or treat it as unimportant because you want to focus on something else. You use this when someone quickly rejects an idea, a problem, or a feeling.

phrasal verb. To dismiss or disregard something abruptly and decisively. Transitive; often implies a refusal to allow obstacles, objections, or emotions to delay progress or influence a decision.

Examples

“He swept aside my concerns and continued with his plan.”

“The committee swept aside all the legal objections to ensure the project started on time.”

“The prime minister swept aside calls for a public inquiry, insisting that the internal investigation had been sufficiently rigorous.”

Examples

simple

“He swept aside my concerns and continued with his plan.”

contextual

“The committee swept aside all the legal objections to ensure the project started on time.”

complex

“The prime minister swept aside calls for a public inquiry, insisting that the internal investigation had been sufficiently rigorous.”

Usage

The object is usually an abstract noun like 'concerns', 'objections', 'doubts', or 'protests'.

Teaching tip

The verb 'sweep' provides a strong visual anchor of clearing a table with one hand motion; contrast with 'dismiss', which is more formal and less visual.

Phrasal verb

Particles

aside

Separability

optional

Pattern

sweep + aside + object

Synonyms

dismissdisregardignorebrush off

Antonyms

consideraddressacknowledge

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference