peel back

Related to peel back: peel away

peel back

To remove something partially or fully (from something's surface) by peeling it. A noun or pronoun can be used between "peel" and "back." I love peeling back the protective plastic they put on the screens of brand new smartphones. Be careful when you peel those stickers back, or you could rip the paper.
See also: back, peel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

peel something back (from something)

to lift something away from the surface of something. He peeled the sheets back from the bed and got in. He peeled back the sheets and got into the bed.
See also: back, peel
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • cut back
  • claw back
  • choke back
  • brush back
  • bring back
  • chop back
  • buck off
  • be/go back to square one
  • come back and see us
  • back to square one
References in periodicals archive
In 2008, Rubin and his glove manufacturer father launched Freehands (FreeHands.com), a collection of gloves with flaps that peel back for the thumb and index fingers.
You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you.
Like the Google Sky Map for Android, users can search for individual organs, or "peel back" and expose different systems, such as the skeleton and internal organs.
Strippable bond lets the user peel back a section of bonded tubing without the use of tools for convenient fitting attachments.
Ever wondered what it would be like to peel back the layers of a stadium like an onion?
After Jones stated over the weekend he wanted to see his career out at the Scarlets, the attention has turned to trying to lure Peel back to the Llanelli-based region.
WALES backs coach Rob Howley last night welcomed Dwayne Peel back into the fold with the message: "We're lucky to have him back."
Peel back the husk to check if the corn is pale yellow and ripe for picking.
The adhesive bonds must be strong enough to withstand handling, shipping and storage without rupture or breakage, while being easy to peel back when necessary.
Yon peel back the top and if you want honey in your yogurt, simply tip that side of the container and the honey pours into the yogurt.
"Daphne, Older": Peel back my skin: / reveal hard fibers, bite marks, // scars from wind and rain.
When you peel back the nameplate, it says "Acme Toys."
"The best part is that posts tend to be very straightforward folks peel back the veneer a bit when posting, which leads to some really rich content."
When the X[P.sup.3] strikes an animal, copper petals peel back from the hollow nose section, which is separated from the lead core by a web of solid copper.
As consumers peel back the ring pull of Mr Whieldon's 'Filter Can', a tiny aluminium mesh filter piece swivels under the mouth piece, protecting the drink from unsavoury additions