Skim off Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To gently remove a thin layer from the surface of a liquid (like cream from milk); also, to secretly take part of money, often dishonestly.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Used literally for cooking, especially with liquids or soups, or figuratively for embezzling money. Collocations: 'skim cream off', 'skim off profits'. Do not confuse with simply 'skim', which can also mean to read quickly.
Example Sentences
Please skim off the fat from the top of the soup.
basic
They used a spoon to skim off the cream from the milk.
basic
It is wrong to skim off money from the company account.
basic
Sometimes you have to skim off the extra oil if you want the dish to taste lighter.
natural
The manager tried to skim off profits before anyone noticed.
natural
He was caught trying to skim off some cash from the register.
natural