dust

Definition

  • noun: fine dry powder that builds up inside buildings on surfaces that have not recently been cleaned
  • noun: fine particles of matter (as of earth)
  • verb: to make (something) clean by brushing or wiping dirt and dust from the surface
  • verb: to make 'dusty'
  • often + 'off' or 'down'
  • synonyms: levigate, dirt, powder

Examples

  • ('US') He stood up and 'dusted himself off'. = ('Brit') He stood up and 'dusted himself down'. [=he brushed the dirt/dust off his clothes]

  • The police 'dusted' the table for fingerprints. [=they put a fine powder on the table so that any fingerprints could be seen]

  • I'll call you 'as soon as the dust settles' from the move. [=as soon as I am not busy with moving]

Movie quotes

  • (..) You rise, only to fall. Purge me from your computers, turn my own flesh against me. It means nothing. When the dust settles, the only thing living in this world will be metal. We gotta move. You're not going to turn green? I've got a compelling reason to not lose my cool. I adore you. (..)
    2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron
  • (..) Well, I don't have a girlfriend. That I can't fix. This is the next thing, Tony. Your clunky metal suits are going to be left in the dust. Well, that is exactly the plan. And Helen, I expect to see you at the party on Saturday. Unlike you, I don't have a lot of time for parties. Will Thor be there? (..)
    2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron