dust off

USAGE SUMMARY

'dust off' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom that means to clean or remove dust from something. Example sentence: She took a cloth and dusted off her bookshelf.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should dust off the beautiful things".

The New York Times

Art Gallery Woman: "Dust off the Warhol.

The New Yorker

Time to dust off the sword?

Independent

Time to dust off that Rubik's cube.

The New York Times - Science

If so, other graduate students should dust off their resumes.

The New York Times

So dust off the skis – it's time to go downhill.

Independent

Leave for half an hour, then dust off excess salt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I often dust off records with my bare hands.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, it still felt good to dust off the cobwebs.

Science Magazine

It might be time to dust off that resume, Eric.

TechCrunch

He can just dust off Christie's.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dust off" when you want to convey the idea of taking something that has been unused or neglected and preparing it for use again. It can apply to physical objects, skills, or plans.

Common error

Avoid using "dust off" literally when you simply mean to clean something that is in regular use. The idiom carries the connotation of something old or long-forgotten being brought back into service.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "dust off" functions as a verb, often used transitively, to describe the act of removing dust from something or metaphorically, to describe the act of reviving something after a period of disuse. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dust off" is a versatile idiom used to describe the act of cleaning something or reviving a skill or plan that has been neglected. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media. When using "dust off", it's important to consider the context and ensure that it accurately conveys the intended meaning of preparing something old for renewed use. Remember, it's not just about cleaning; it's about revival.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polish up

Similar to dusting off, but implies more thorough cleaning and shining.

brush up on

Focuses more on improving existing skills or knowledge than physically cleaning an object.

revive

Implies bringing something back to a usable or popular state, often after a period of decline.

rehabilitate

Suggests restoring something to a former condition, often after damage or disuse.

prepare for reuse

Highlights the intention of using something again after a period of storage or neglect.

restore

Suggests returning something to its original condition, often involving significant repair or renovation.

get ready

A more general phrase indicating preparation for use, without specifying the reason.

refresh

Implies making something feel new or updated, which can involve cleaning or minor improvements.

bring out

Emphasizes taking something out of storage and making it available.

clean up

Focuses on removing dirt and mess, which may or may not involve dusting.

FAQs

How can I use "dust off" in a sentence?

You can use "dust off" to describe cleaning something that has been sitting unused for a while, or to describe reviving an old skill or plan. For example, "I need to dust off my resume" or "It's time to dust off my old guitar".

What does "dust off" mean in the context of skills?

When talking about skills, "dust off" means to refresh or revive a skill that you haven't used in a long time. It implies regaining proficiency through practice, similar to how you might "brush up on" something.

Which is correct, "dust off" or "dust up"?

"Dust off" is the correct idiomatic expression. "Dust up" has a different meaning, usually referring to a minor fight or altercation.

What can I say instead of "dust off" when referring to old plans?

When referring to old plans, you can use alternatives like "revive", "revisit", or "re-examine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.