Skims

To skim, in its various forms, generally refers to the action of passing lightly and quickly over a surface or through something, often to extract something valuable or to avoid deeper engagement. It can describe the removal of a surface layer, the glancing of an object, or the rapid and incomplete reading or reviewing of material. In financial contexts, it might involve the illicit taking of funds, and in culinary terms, it refers to removing surface elements like fat or foam.

Skims meaning with examples

• She skims the water, a flattened stone skipping rapidly across the lake's surface, a childhood game. The children laugh as the rock bounces. He skims over his homework, not fully reading any of it to hurry through the requirements, getting the least needed amount of the job done.
• The baker skims off the frothy top of the jam to discard any impurities before packaging the final product. She skims quickly through the article, looking for key points related to the research she is working on. His car skims by on the road while they are walking, almost too fast for them to register.
• The detective investigated the case of a bank teller, finding out that they skims funds from accounts, making the overall balance smaller. He skims through the headlines, trying to get a quick update on current events. The hawk skims over the field, searching for the unsuspecting mouse that has decided to come out to eat.
• As he practiced writing a play, he skims across the page when his mind cannot fully grasp the details in front of him, and the audience never hears his work. He skims through the comments, looking for common sentiments people feel when they use social media. A jet skims the top of the ocean as it approaches for landing.
• The experienced chef skims the foam from the broth with a practiced hand, ensuring clarity. He skims his email, ignoring all junk mail, hoping to find an important message. He skims the surface of the pond, the way his boat gently glides along.
• The skimming action is often indicative of a lack of deep consideration or engagement. It prioritizes speed or efficiency over thoroughness. She can only focus on the skimming of important details because of how many things she has on her to-do list. The process is a way to get by without being dedicated to a process.