subtract from (something)
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.
- subtract
- subtract from
- multiply
- multiply by
- multiply by (something)
- tally up
- tally
- tally on
- remove from
- remove from (someone or something)