peel away
Remove outer layer
Peel away means to remove something by pulling it back in layers, like peeling skin from fruit: She peeled away the bandage.
Figuratively, it describes gradual removal or departure: Supporters peeled away as the scandal grew.
The phrase suggests separation that happens incrementally rather than all at once.
Narrow elongated piece
exfoliate · slough · shed · abrade · molt · debride · decorticate · scrape
Reveal what's hidden
- exposeMake known publicly
- unmaskReveal true identity
- discloseReveal hidden information
- lay bareReveal completely
unveil · bring to light · unearth · show · bare · open up · dissect
Separate from main body
- divergeSeparate into directions
- branch offSeparate from main route
- fall backWithdraw from advance
- drop backMove to rear
To separate from
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- disentangleFree from snarls
- extricateFree from entanglement
- pull apartForcibly separate into pieces
come apart · lift off · split off · delaminate · unstick · loosen · release · unfasten
strip
Narrow elongated piece
shuck · exfoliate · slough · shed · abrade · molt · debride · decorticate · scrape · flake
uncover
Reveal what's hidden
lay bare · unveil · bring to light · unearth · show · bare · open up · dissect
split off
Separate from main body
- divergeSeparate into directions
- branch offSeparate from main route
- fall backWithdraw from advance
detach
To separate from
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- disentangleFree from snarls
- extricateFree from entanglement
pull apart · come apart · lift off · split off · delaminate · unstick · loosen · release · unfasten