English Reference

Phrasal verb

peel off

Definition

phrasal verb. to remove a layer, a sticker, or a piece of clothing from something or yourself.

phrasal verb. to remove an outer covering, layer, or garment, often one that is stuck or tight. The verb is typically transitive and allows for object placement between the verb and particle.

Examples

“She peels off the price tag from the gift.”

“After working in the garden all afternoon, he peeled off his muddy gloves before going inside.”

“The conservator used a specialized solvent to peel off the yellowed varnish without damaging the delicate pigments of the oil painting.”

Examples

simple

“She peels off the price tag from the gift.”

contextual

“After working in the garden all afternoon, he peeled off his muddy gloves before going inside.”

complex

“The conservator used a specialized solvent to peel off the yellowed varnish without damaging the delicate pigments of the oil painting.”

Usage

This phrase is often used when the item being removed is sticky, wet, or very tight.

Teaching tip

Use the physical action of removing a sticker to demonstrate the 'sticky' nuance that distinguishes this from a simple 'take off'.

Pitfall

I peeled off it.

I peeled it off.

If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must be placed between 'peel' and 'off'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

optional

Pattern

peel + (object) + off

Synonyms

removestriptake offdetach

Antonyms

applyattachput on

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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