present participle of explain away

To dismiss or minimize (a problem, etc.) by explanation.

(Australia, colloquial) A request for explanation or clarification on an issue.

Explained earlier in a document.

(Canada, US, film, informal) Any character who serves to provide exposition, such as explaining how an elaborate murder was committed, sparing the writers from having to convey it indirectly.

Synonym of Irving the Explainer

The policy of preserving historical material regarded as problematic (such as statues), with appropriate contextual explanation, rather than destroying it or attempting to erase it from history.