cream off
Remove the top
To cream off is to take the best or most valuable part of something for oneself, often leaving inferior portions for others.
The image comes from skimming cream from the top of milk.
The company creamed off the top graduates before other firms could interview them.
The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting unfair advantage or selective taking.
skim
Pass over lightly
remove · isolate · filter · sieve · clarify · purify · refine · distill · cull · select
skim
Pass over lightly
- siphonLiquid transfer tube
- embezzleSteal funds in custody
- misappropriateWrongly take another's assets
pilfer · divert · pocket · graft · peculate · appropriate · take · plunder · profiteer · fleece
cream offdivide evenly
share out · divvy up · split evenly · democratize · redistribute
off, cream, creamy, ice cream, creams, creamed, creaming, sour cream, creamier