Definition of the word branch off

The phrase "branch off" has its origins in the way a tree grows. When a secondary stem begins growing out from the main trunk of a tree, it creates a smaller limb or branch. This new branch using its resources to grow away from the main trunk, diverging from the main flow of growth. As the branch continues to develop, it becomes more prominent and separate from the main trunk, representing a distinct entity. Over time, the original meaning of "branch off" has expanded to include other situations where something separates or diverges from a larger entity. For example, in business, a company may branch off from its parent company to pursue a different focus or market niche. This use of "branch off" in non-botanical contexts is a testament to the persuasive power of the natural world and how its workings can shape our language as well as our environment.