skim off
To scoop something floating on top, or to secretly steal a little bit of money.
Meanings
To remove a layer of fat, foam, or other substance from the surface of a liquid.
"Skim off the fat from the top of the broth before serving the soup."
To dishonestly divert a portion of money or profits for personal gain.
"The accountant had been skimming off thousands of dollars from the firm's accounts for years."
To select and take only the best or most desirable part of something.
"Elite universities skim off the top students, leaving fewer high achievers in state schools."
Has both a literal culinary sense and a figurative financial/political sense. The dishonest sense is common in journalism and political discourse. In cooking, it is entirely neutral.
Commonly used with
Forms
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