Pinch off Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action Focuses on the physical action of removing small parts with fingers. She pinched off a petal from the flower. Pro Tip 2/3Gentle Tug Conveys a light and precise touch, not a rough or forceful action. Pinch off the bad leaves gently from the lettuce. Pro Tip 3/3Sharing Small Bits Often used when sharing something small by hand without tools. He pinched off a morsel of bread for the ducks.