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to explain away
[phrase form: explain]
01
to provide reasons or justifications in an attempt to dismiss or minimize the significance of something
Examples
When confronted about the discrepancies in the report, the manager attempted to explain them away as minor errors.
02
to give reasons or excuses to make something that has happened seem less important or to avoid responsibility for it
Examples
Despite the evidence, he tried to explain away his absence from the meeting with a last-minute excuse.
