Definition & Meaning of "Explain away"

Explain away

/ɛksplˈeɪn ɐwˈeɪ/

to provide reasons or justifications in an attempt to dismiss or minimize the significance of something

to give reasons or excuses to make something that has happened seem less important or to avoid responsibility for it

Example

The politician's spokesperson tried to explain away the controversial statement by emphasizing the context in which it was made.

Despite the evidence, he tried to explain away his absence from the meeting with a last-minute excuse.

Instead of admitting fault, she always had a tendency to explain away her mistakes with elaborate explanations.

It's not uncommon for individuals to explain away their procrastination by attributing it to external factors beyond their control.

He employed rationalization to explain away his mistakes.

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