SINCE 1828
explain away
verb
explained away;
explaining away;
explains away
Definition of explain away
1
: to get rid of by or as if by explanation
2
: to minimize the significance of by or as if by explanation
explains his faults, but does not try to explain them away— M. K. Spears
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Synonyms for explain away
Synonyms
account (for), attribute, explain, rationalize
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