The phrase "lopped off" refers to the action of cutting something off, usually a branch from a tree or a limb from an animal. The spelling of "lopped" uses the letter combination "opp" to represent the /ɒp/ sound, followed by the letter "e" to indicate a long vowel sound, /oʊ/. The word "off" is spelled with the letter combination "ff" to represent the /f/ sound. Therefore, the IPA phonetic transcription of "lopped off" is /lɒpt ɒf/.
The phrase "lopped off" refers to the act of cutting or removing a part of something, typically using a chopping or cutting instrument. It denotes the process of severing or detaching a section or a portion of an object, often by means of a sharp implement such as an axe, saw, or knife.
When something is "lopped off," it generally suggests a sudden and forceful removal, leaving a distinct break or separation. The term commonly applies to physical objects or body parts, indicating a clean cut, separation, or amputation. For instance, the phrase may be used to describe cutting off a branch from a tree, removing a portion of a piece of fabric, or severing a limb from a living organism.
Metaphorically, "lopped off" can also be applied to intangible concepts and abstract ideas. In this sense, it implies the abrupt removal or elimination of a component from a greater whole. For instance, one may refer to a chapter being "lopped off" from a book, a verse being removed from a poem, or a segment being deleted from a recorded video.
Overall, the term "lopped off" encompasses the action of cutting or removing a part from a larger whole, whether through a physical process or metaphorical dissection. It implies a decisive, often irreversible, separation involving a distinct and clear rupture.
The word "lopped off" has its roots in the Middle English language.
The term "lopp" originally referred to the act of cutting or pruning branches, particularly ones that were considered unnecessary or unwanted. It is derived from the Old English word "loppian", meaning "to cut off".
The addition of "off" simply emphasizes the action of removing or detaching something from its original position. When used together as "lopped off", the phrase typically describes the sudden or forceful removal of a part, often in a chopping or cutting motion. This expression is commonly used metaphorically to describe the severing or separation of an object or body part, whether in a literal or figurative sense.