peel the onion
To investigate a matter more deeply, usually step by step, each step leading to a new discovery.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to peel the onion to understand this problem.”
“The detective began to peel the onion, uncovering layer after layer of the complex financial fraud.”
“As the investigation continued, the journalists had to peel the onion, revealing deeper layers of corruption that the company had long kept hidden from the public.”
- 01
eat the onion
To unwittingly and erroneously interpret a work of satire as literal fact, particularly a piece published by The Onion.
- 02
have one foot on a banana peel
To be in an unstable situation with a high risk of sudden negative change, facing difficulty, or appearing foolish.
- 03
keep an eye peeled
To look out (for something) attentively.
- 04
keep one's eyes peeled
To be on the alert, to be watchful.
- 05
peel out
To start abruptly from a standing stop, accelerating rapidly, especially so as to produce skid marks.
- 06
take out an onion
Suggests that the performer of the action is not sincere in their grief.
Last updated August 10, 2026