a brush with

USAGE SUMMARY

'a brush with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief or fleeting experience that changes the way you see it. Example: She had a brush with fame after meeting the actor backstage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FAIRFIELD "Colleen Browning: A Brush With Magic".

The New York Times

Then he described a brush with fame.

The New York Times

One hunter has a brush with death.

Yale University

The doorstep was close enough to a brush with greatness.

The Times

Earlier this year, Holmes had a brush with mortality.

The Guardian

The glimpse was thrilling as a brush with Bigfoot.

The New York Times

He never had a brush with the law.

The New York Times

What she got in return was a brush with celebrity.

The New Yorker

It is offering them a brush with culinary celebrity.

The New York Times

Sometimes a brush with an activist gives a company a welcome opportunity to refresh its board.

Harvard University

Slum tours led them down sewer-lined alleys for a brush with poverty.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brush with" to describe a brief or superficial experience, often implying a sense of proximity or encounter without deep involvement. For example, "a brush with fame" suggests a brief taste of celebrity.

Common error

Avoid using "a brush with" when describing profound or life-altering experiences. The phrase implies a fleeting encounter, not a significant transformation. If the experience was substantial, consider phrases like "a life-changing experience" or "a profound encounter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brush with" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a brief or superficial encounter with something. It suggests a sense of proximity or exposure without deep involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brush with" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a brief or superficial encounter with something, often implying a sense of proximity without deep engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media but is also present in academic and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the transient and superficial nature of the experience you are describing. Alternatives include "a fleeting encounter with" and "a brief experience of". Be mindful not to use it for profound or life-altering experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting encounter with

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the experience.

a brief experience of

Highlights the concise and limited nature of the experience.

a passing acquaintance with

Focuses on a superficial and not very involved relationship.

a glimpse of

Stresses the partial and often incomplete view or experience.

a taste of

Indicates a small or introductory experience of something.

a short exposure to

Highlights the limited duration of the contact or experience.

an introduction to

Implies a first-time experience or encounter.

a nodding acquaintance

Suggests a casual and not very deep familiarity.

an indirect contact with

Highlights contact being not direct

a remote interaction with

Highlights interaction being not close

FAQs

How can I use "a brush with" in a sentence?

The phrase "a brush with" is used to describe a brief or superficial experience with something. For example, "He had "a brush with death" during the car accident" or "She had "a brush with celebrity" when she met the actor".

What does "a brush with" mean?

The idiom "a brush with" means a brief or casual encounter with something. It suggests a light, superficial experience rather than a deep or sustained engagement.

What are some synonyms for "a brush with"?

Alternatives to "a brush with" include "a fleeting encounter with", "a brief experience of", or "a passing acquaintance with", depending on the context.

Is "a brush with" formal or informal?

"A brush with" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news and media or casual conversation.