to draw off
3
4.2
- phrasal verb
- /drɔː ɔf/
- She carefully draw off the top layer of sediment to get to the clear liquid below.
Examples
-
You know, of course, that dear Alvord was a great wizard?" Mrs. Mildmay drew off her gloves to cover her confusion.
Fiction book (1999) -
The technician used a syringe to draw off a sample of the solution from the test tube.
-
Before serving, make sure to draw off the excess oil from the salad dressing.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To move something toward you using force, often to remove it
∞
1.5
To remove clothes or something from your body
∞
2.7
To take something out of a place, often with effort
195
2.7
To take something off from where it is attached
49
3.8
Remove something from where it is, for example a nail or a secret
45
3.4
To take off the outer layer by pulling it
30
3.7
To pull something away from where it is, for example a bandage or curtain
2
3.7
Take oil or fat from the top of a liquid using a spoon
Antonyms
How Carefully
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to remove a liquid from a container' is directly derivable from combining 'draw' (to pull or extract) with 'off' (indicating removal or taking off). This verb+particle composition follows standard English patterns and cross-linguistic logic, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Draw off: The phrasal verb draw off comes from the simple image of using draw (to pull) and off (away) to pull something away, like quickly removing a tablecloth or taking off gloves. That's why it means 'to remove something by pulling' or 'take off carefully'.