english
1
general::
Phrase(s): branch out (from something) 1. Lit. [for a branch] to grow out of a branch or trunk. (Having to do with plants and trees.) • A twig branched out of the main limb and grew straight up. • The bush branched out from the base. 2. Fig. to expand away from something; to diversify away from narrower interests. • The speaker branched out from her prepared remarks. • The topic was very broad, and she was free to branch out.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Separate into subdivisions; strike off in a new direction. For example, Our software business is branching out into more interactive products, or Bill doesn't want to concentrate on just one field; he wants to branch out more. This term alludes to the growth habits of a tree's limbs. [Early 1700s] Also see BRANCH OFF.
American Heritage Idioms