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abwimmeln

to fob off, to brush someone off

verb AP-vim-eln Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

Abwimmeln is colloquial and implies dismissing someone with a quick, dismissive remark or excuse to get rid of them, often used for unhelpful receptionists, bureaucrats, or evasive speakers.

Examples

"Der Sachbearbeiter versuchte, sie mit einer Ausrede abzuwimmeln."

Natural Translation

The clerk tried to fob her off with an excuse.

Literal Translation

The clerk tried to brush her off with an excuse.

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