slough off
Verb (transitive): 1. To shed, cast off, or get rid of something as being dead, unwanted, or no longer useful. It often implies a natural or deliberate process of discarding. 2. (Biology/Medicine) To separate from surrounding living tissue; to be shed or cast off.
The verb "slough off" is used to describe the act of discarding something undesirable or the natural process of shedding. It often carries a figurative sense of ridding oneself of a burden, habit, or association.
- A snake sloughs off its old skin.
- He tried to slough off his feelings of guilt.
- The company is looking to slough off its unprofitable divisions.
- (Medical) Dead tissue can slough off during the healing process.
- Figurative Use for Ideas or Feelings: Commonly used in a psychological or emotional context.
- She worked hard to slough off the negative influences from her past.
- Use for Responsibilities or Associations: Can imply a dismissive or effortless casting aside.
- The politician attempted to slough off responsibility for the scandal.
- Slough (verb): Can be used similarly without "off," especially in biological contexts (e.g., ).
- Slough (noun): /slaʊ/ or /sluː/; refers to a swamp or, figuratively, a state of deep despair or moral degradation. (e.g., ).
- Shed
- Cast off
- Discard
- Jettison
- Shake off
- Dispose of
"Slough off" is itself a phrasal verb. The particle "off" emphasizes the completeness of the removal or separation.
While not a standalone idiom, "slough off" is often used in the idiom "to slough off one's old skin," meaning to make a fresh start or radical personal change.
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separate from surrounding living tissue, as in an abortion
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discard as undesirable
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the candidate sloughed off his former campaign workers
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