peel down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peel down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean to reduce or scale back something. For example: "The company has been forced to peel down its staff numbers in order to survive the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Though famously private, for his students he will sometimes peel down to the 13-year-old Itzhak who became an instant celebrity when he appeared on television on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1958.

The New York Times - Arts

Then it started to peel down, my head got light, and I think I squealed.

Vice

Then it started to peel down, my head got light and I think I squealed.

Vice

Using a peeler, peel down cut one end of veggie sticks to round them (like the tip of a finger).

HuffPost

As I walked to the festival, I thought how embarrassing it was going to be to peel down all those blue and white banners.

Vice

When we get back to my place I glance over my shoulder then bend over the couch, turning my head to sever your gaze as I peel down down my underwear.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I unfastened and peeled down my stockings.

The New Yorker

Five Conover girls were strewn about, peeled down to slips.

The New Yorker

He peeled down her shorts to measure her hips.

The New Yorker

With his shirt peeled down to his waist, he contorted his body and then his mouth.

The New York Times - Arts

Szymborska takes on an onion, and that onion is peeled, down to its essence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "peel down" in the context of removing layers, consider the degree of effort or force involved. "Peel down" suggests a deliberate, sometimes gentle, action of uncovering or reducing.

Common error

Avoid using "peel down" when a more forceful or abrupt removal is intended. Words like "rip off" or "tear down" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "peel down" functions primarily as a descriptive verb, often indicating the action of removing a layer or reducing something gradually. This function aligns with examples showing the action of removing clothing or coverings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

13.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13.33%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peel down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the action of removing layers or reducing something gradually. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, and its usage spans across various contexts, from news articles to how-to guides. Although not as common as some of its alternatives like "strip down" or "scale back", "peel down" provides a nuanced way to express reduction or removal, emphasizing the deliberate and sometimes gentle nature of the action. It's important to consider the context to ensure its connotation aligns with the intended meaning. The phrase's authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, further solidify its acceptability in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strip down

Implies a more forceful or complete removal, often referring to clothing or components.

pare back

Focuses on reducing something to its essential elements, often in a business or economic context.

scale back

Suggests a proportional reduction in size or scope.

reduce

A general term for making something smaller or less.

diminish

Implies a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

uncover

Focuses on revealing something that was previously hidden.

reveal

Similar to uncover, but can also refer to making something known.

take off

When referring to clothing, it means to remove.

shave off

Suggests removing a small amount from something, often in a meticulous way.

cut back

Emphasizes the action of reducing or limiting something, especially expenses or production.

FAQs

How can I use "peel down" in a sentence?

You can use "peel down" to describe removing layers, like "He "peeled down" his sock to check his ankle", or to mean reducing something gradually, like "The company had to "peel down" its expenses".

What are some alternatives to "peel down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "strip down", "scale back", or "uncover".

Is "peel down" grammatically correct?

Yes, "peel down" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb. It is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, though it's not as frequent as some of its alternatives.

What is the difference between "peel down" and "strip down"?

"Peel down" often suggests a more gradual or gentle removal of layers, while "strip down" implies a more forceful or complete removal. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.