Word (phrase): peel off

Associations

"Peel off" means to remove a layer or to separate something from its surface. This phrase is often used in both literal and figurative senses.

• Example 1: "I will peel off the label from the jar." (This means you take the label off the jar's surface.)
• Example 2: "As the paint began to weather, it started to peel off the walls." (Here, it means the paint is coming off in layers.)
• Example 3: "After we argued, she decided to peel off from the group." (In this case, it means she left the group.)

A well-known synonym for "peel off" might be "remove." The difference is that "remove" is more general and can apply to various contexts, while "peel off" often suggests a layer or something being separated in a more delicate way.

Substitution

Other words or phrases that can be used instead of "peel off" include:

• "take off" – this is more commonly used for clothes or objects and doesn’t imply layers.
• "strip away" – this suggests a more forceful action, usually used for unwanted parts.
• "detach" – this can imply separating but isn't limited to layers.

Deconstruction

The phrase "peel off" consists of two parts:

• "Peel": This comes from the Old English word "pyll" meaning to remove the skin or outer covering.
• "Off": This preposition indicates separation from something.

The combination refers to removing a layer or surface, often in a gentle manner.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where you had to "peel off" something, like a sticker or a bandage?
• How might the phrase "peel off" change in meaning if used in a different context, such as in cooking or relationships?
• Have you ever seen something that was peeling off, like an old wall or a sticker? What did it look like?