peels away
Removes by stripping
Peels away describes the action of removing something in layers or strips, like skin from fruit or paint from a surface: She peeled away the old wallpaper.
Figuratively, it means to reveal what lies beneath by removing coverings or pretenses: The documentary peels away the mythology surrounding the founder.
It can also describe gradual separation or departure: Supporters peeled away as the scandal deepened.
- outer layerOutermost covering surface
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
- flakeThin detached fragment
- exfoliateRemove outer skin layers
- sloughBoggy ground or cast-off skin
strip · pare · expose · unveil · emerge · unmask · detach · unravel · illuminate · scrape · disclose · dislodge · onion layers · come off · evolve · transform · elucidate · clarify
manner of removal
peels awayrips off
Defrauds or overcharges
strips off · tears away · tears off · shreds