How Do You Spell SKIMMING OFF THE TOP?

Pronunciation: [skˈɪmɪŋ ˈɒf ðə tˈɒp] (IPA)

The phrase "skimming off the top" refers to the act of taking a small amount of something valuable from a larger quantity. The word "skimming" is pronounced /ˈskɪmɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable, and the "i" and "m" sounds being pronounced in a short, sharp manner. The "off the top" part of the phrase is pronounced /ɒf ðə tɒp/, with the stress being on the second syllable of "top". The "o" in "off" is pronounced like the "o" in "hot", while the "a" in "top" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat".

SKIMMING OFF THE TOP Meaning and Definition

1. Skimming off the top is a colloquial expression that generally refers to the act of secretly or illicitly taking a portion of funds or resources for personal gain. This phrase is commonly used to describe a dishonest practice where someone, typically in a position of authority or control, embezzles or diverts money, profits, or other valuable assets without permission or knowledge of others who are entitled to them.

   The term originated from the concept of physically skimming the cream or most desirable part off the surface of a liquid, leaving the lower quality or less valuable portion behind. In a similar sense, skimming off the top involves taking a portion of the highest value or most desirable parts of something, leaving the remainder for others.

   Skimming off the top may occur in various contexts, such as in business settings, where an individual siphons off profits, commissions, or kickbacks for personal enrichment. It can also be associated with organized crime or corruption, where individuals exploit their positions to divert resources or revenues allocated for public or collective use.

   This expression carries a negative connotation as it involves deceit, manipulation, and the violation of trust. Skimming off the top is generally seen as an unethical practice and often constitutes a criminal offense.

Common Misspellings for SKIMMING OFF THE TOP

• akimming off the top
• zkimming off the top
• xkimming off the top
• dkimming off the top
• ekimming off the top
• wkimming off the top
• sjimming off the top
• smimming off the top
• slimming off the top
• soimming off the top
• siimming off the top
• skumming off the top
• skjmming off the top
• skkmming off the top
• skomming off the top
• sk9mming off the top
• sk8mming off the top
• skinming off the top
• skikming off the top
• skijming off the top