Definition of the word feed off

The phrase "feed off" has its origins in the literal sense of the words, "feed" meaning to consume or obtain nourishment, and "off" meaning from something. In its most basic meaning, "feed off" describes the action of drawing sustenance from another source, often a living one. This phrase has been used in an idiomatic sense for centuries, as it has metaphorical applications in various circumstances. For instance, in parasitology, "feed off" describes a parasitic organism that extracts nutrients from its host. The phrase has also been used figuratively to describe one's reliance on another's resources, actions, or ideas without contributing positively to the outcome. For instance, someone who "feeds off" another's intelligence or knowledge may use it for their own benefit without acknowledgment or reciprocation. In summary, the phrase "feed off" derives from its literal meaning and has evolved to describe a range of metaphorical concepts, ranging from biological parasitism to parasitic actions conducted by humans to obtain resources from others.