peel (redirected from peeled)

keep one's eyes open (for someone or something) and keep one's eyes peeled (for someone or something)

Fig. to remain alert and watchful for someone or something. (The entry with peeled is informal. Peel refers to moving the eyelids back. See also keep an eye out (for someone or something).) I'm keeping my eyes open for a sale on winter coats. Please keep your eyes peeled for Mary. She's due to arrive here any time. Okay. I'll keep my eyes open.

See also: eye, keep, open

peel something away (from something)

to peel something from the surface of something. Peel the label away from the envelope and place it on the order form. Peel away the label carefully.

See also: away

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 something off (of) (something) and peel something off from something

to remove the outside surface layer from something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) She carefully peeled the skin off the apple. She peeled off the apple's skin.

peel off (of) (something)

[for a surface layer] to come loose and fall away from something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) The paint is beginning to peel off the garage. The paint is peeling off.

peel out

[for a driver] to speed off in a car with a screeching of tires. Dave got in his car and peeled out, waking the neighbors. I wish he would stop peeling out!

See also: out

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keep your eyes peeled/skinned  (informal)

to watch very carefully for something (often + for ) Keep your eyes peeled for a signpost.

See also: eye, keep

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keep your eyes peeled (for something)

to watch carefully for someone or something keep an eye out (for somebody/something) Keep your eyes peeled for a taxi.

See also: eye, keep

peel off also peel away

to move away quickly The first of three attack jets suddenly peeled off to the right.