take away from (something)

take away from (something)

To cheapen, demean, or detract from something. Don't let his petty comments take away from your amazing victory tonight. The water stain on our sofa completely takes away from the décor of the room.See also: away, take

take away from someone or something

to lessen the value or esteem of someone or something; to detract from someone or something. The fact that she is quiet does not take away from her one bit. The huge orange spot in the center of the painting takes away from the intense green of the rest of the work.See also: away, take

take away from

Detract, as in Her straggly hair takes away from her otherwise attractive appearance. [Second half of 1800s] See also: away, take

take away from

To detract from: Drab curtains took away from the otherwise lovely room.See also: away, take