explain away

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Asked about whether he’s seeing institutional investors turn away from the U.S. toward emerging markets, he says that many fund managers can explain away one year of underperformance, of having missed out on a trend that reversed several years of lackluster returns.

From MarketWatch

But we tend to justify or explain away our own contradictions.

From The Wall Street Journal

South Belfast MP Claire Hanna responded by saying "some politicians are choosing to explain away" episodes of violence.

From BBC

Still, even strong fields can’t explain away the Emmys’ treatment of “The Wire” — often listed among the greatest TV shows of all time — which not only never won in five seasons but was only nominated twice.

From Los Angeles Times

There are reasons, credible ones even, to explain away why they left Minnesota empty-handed.

From Los Angeles Times