Definition of lop off

The phrase "lop off" is an idiomatic verb phrase meaning to cut or remove something abruptly and cleanly, typically by chopping it with an axe or similar tool. The expression originated in the early 18th century, mainly in reference to woodcutting activities in forestry. The term "lop" originally referred to the thin, horizontal branches of a fruit-bearing tree, which appeared in the form of a rounded, flat piece ("lope" or "loup" in Middle English). Farmers and foresters would "lop" off these branches as a part of pruning or maintenance work in order to improve the tree's shape, health, and fruit yield. In time, the verb form "lopp" also came to mean cutting, chopping, or snipping something off, especially abruptly and cleanly. This sense was further extended in the 18th century into an idiomatic expression "lop off," meaning to trim, chop, or remove something abruptly and decisively by cutting it with an axe or similar tool. Since then, the use of "lop off" has evolved beyond forestry, now referring to the abrupt removal or trimming of a wide range of objects, including limbs, foliage, hair, or even parts of larger objects, for a variety of purposes. In summary, the origin of the phrase "lop off" can be traced back to a specific agricultural task of fruit-tree pruning, but its meanings have expanded over time to refer to a more general activity of chopping off, trimming, or removing any object abruptly and cleanly.