subtract from

subtract from (something)

1. To remove or be removed from a number or tally. You have to subtract from the variable before you multiply because of the parentheses. They said they would be willing to offer us complimentary champagne rather than subtracting from our bill.
2. To diminish or detract from something. Thankfully the somewhat contrived plot doesn't subtract from the film's energy and charm. The star captain's absence really subtracted from the team's performance, perhaps more so than any of us might have guessed.
3. To remove someone, something, or a number from a group or larger thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "subtract" and "from." You can only subtract the expenses that were used specifically for business purposes from your tax return. We didn't order any movies from our room, so please subtract these charges from the bill. If we subtract out closest family and friends from the guest list, we're left with nearly 150 people.
See also: subtract
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

subtract something from (something else)

to deduct or take away something from something else. Please subtract the cost of the meal from my fee. I demanded that they subtract the extra charge from my bill.
See also: subtract
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • subtract
  • subtract from (something)
  • multiply
  • multiply by
  • multiply by (something)
  • tally up
  • tally
  • tally on
  • remove from
  • remove from (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
You subtract from the child's age the length of time it took the USCIS to process and approve the petition.
Things that can mess up your child's CSPA eligibility
These include such things as knowing what to add or subtract from a piano/vocal score; learning the styles of recitatives; learning about vocal technique to be more helpful to the singers; and preparing singers for auditions.
Opera Coaching: Professional Techniques and Considerations
Although the third method is accurate and works in general, the amount to add to or subtract from each number cannot be precisely programmed.
Computational fluency, algorithms, and mathematical proficiency: one mathematician's perspective
It is because she recognizes her inability to divorce herself from her identity that she rather than subtract from herself, advocates adding other voices.
Wisdom Ways: Introducing Feminist Biblical Interpretation.
Subtract from that amount the cost of creating a perimeter of rigid foam (EPS-type) insulation.
Best in snow: Frost-protected foundations offer big savings on materials and labor. (Cost Cutter)
Don't subtract from the healthy benefits of running by increasing your risk for skin cancer.
Solar power zaps
Peculiar velocity can either add or subtract from the expansion velocity.
Great wall not so great?
Subtract from the total of the IRD items the deductions from the gross estate for claims that represent the deductions and credits in respect of the decedent.
Allocation of IRD deduction to surviving spouse with no estate tax liability
Another concern at the higher operating temperature had focused on individual CCD picture elements, or pixels, that became damaged by incoming radiation and produced "dark current." This current, a spurious signal generated even when no light falls on a detector, is common and usually easy to subtract from a CCD image.
Cooling off Hubble's camera troubles