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dust off

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dust someone off

Sl. to punch or beat someone. We dusted them off one by one. We had to dust off all those big guys. dust someone or something off to wipe or brush the dust off someone or something. Dust this vase off and put it on the shelf. Please dust off this vase.

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dust something off

also dust off something

to make something usable after it has not been used for a long time It's a good time to dust off your resume and see if you can get some work. Byrne dusted off some of the band's classics in Tuesday's concert.

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dust yourself off

to prepare yourself to continue doing something you unexpectedly stopped doing Everyone wonders if the nation can dust itself off after the disaster.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of dusting yourself off (cleaning dirt off yourself) after you fall

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dust off

1. Restore to use. For example, I've dusted off last year's menu for the party. This usage alludes to cleaning and thereby renewing some object. [Mid-1900s]

2. Pitch a baseball dangerously close to the batter's head, as in I'm sure he dusted him off on purpose. [Slang; 1920s]

3. Finish off, kill; also, easily defeat. For example, They vowed to dust off the old man, or We'll dust off this team in no time. [Slang; c. 1940]

4. Thrash, beat up, as in If he didn't hand over his wallet, they threatened to dust him off. [Slang; 1920s]

See also: dust, off

dust off

v.

1. To remove dust from something or someone by brushing or wiping: I dusted off the old trunk in the attic. We picked up the antiques and dusted them off.

2. To restore something to use: The mechanic dusted off that old engine and sold it. I dusted off last year's winter coat and put it on.

See also: dust, off