draw off
The phrase "draw off" is versatile, commonly used in contexts involving the removal or diversion of substances, resources, or attention.
Definition
B2Liquid Handling
(technical)To take a portion of a liquid from a larger amount, often using a tap or siphon.
Example
- She drew off some of the soup to taste it.
- The technician drew off a sample of the chemical for testing.
C1Finance
(formal)To withdraw money or funds from an account or financial source.
Example
- He drew off a portion of his savings to invest in the stock market.
- The company drew off funds to cover unexpected expenses.
B2General Use
(common)To take a small amount from a larger quantity, not limited to liquids.
Example
- She drew off some flour from the large bag to use in her recipe.
- The artist drew off a few colors from the palette for the painting.
C1Strategy
(formal)To cause to move away or divert attention from a particular focus or activity.
Example
- The general drew off some troops to strengthen the flank.
- They drew off attention from the main issue by raising minor concerns.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "draw off":
draw awaydraw outdraw downdraw backpull awaydraw intodraw inpull offdraw onpull outdraw aheaddrive offrake offdraw updrawn outdraw nearboil offdrain outbear offhaul offdrive awaysqueeze offread offpull backdrape offmake offcome offpull insuck outcarry offyank offtake offthrow offdraw bloodwalk offdraw weightwalk off withwalk away withpick offcast offtear offride offwind offpush offrun offburn offtake awaytap offwhisk offback offhead offfork offdrag outhook offwipe offsqueeze outclear offdrive outmake awayrub offplay offback awaycall offstrike offtouch offdraft up