1
general::
Phrase(s): skim something off (of) something [and] skim something off
1. Lit. to scoop something off the surface of something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) • The cook skimmed the fat off the stew. • The cook skimmed off the fat. 2. Fig. to remove a portion of something of value, such as money, from an account. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) • The auditor was skimming a few dollars a day off the bank’s cash flow. • Kelly skimmed off a few dollars each day.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs