# peel off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peel-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I peeled off it." but "I peeled it off." — If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must be placed between 'peel' and 'off'.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.