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branch out

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branch out

 (from something)

1. Lit. [for a branch] to grow out of a branch or trunk. (Having to do with plants and trees.) A twig branched out of the main limb and grew straight up. The bush branched out from the base.

2. Fig. to expand away from something; to diversify away from narrower interests. The speaker branched out from her prepared remarks. The topic was very broad, and she was free to branch out.

See also: branch, out

branch out (into something)

Fig. to diversify and go into new areas. I have decided to branch out into some new projects. Business was very good, so I decided to branch out.

See also: branch, out

branch out

also branch off

to become involved in a wider range of activities Women are branching out into leadership roles at many levels in the army.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of branch (the part of a tree that grows out from the main part)

See also: branch, out

branch out

Separate into subdivisions; strike off in a new direction. For example, Our software business is branching out into more interactive products, or Bill doesn't want to concentrate on just one field; he wants to branch out more. This term alludes to the growth habits of a tree's limbs. [Early 1700s] Also see branch off.

See also: branch, out

branch out

v.

1. To develop or have many branches or tributaries: Once this tree reaches a certain size, it will begin to branch out. The river branches out into a great delta before flowing into the sea.

2. To grow out of a tree trunk or branch: I like to sit on a large limb that branches out from the apple tree.

3. To expand the scope of one's interests or activities into a new area or areas: At first I studied only Latin, but later I branched out and began learning other languages, too.

See also: branch, out