Top and tail something
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cooking Preparation
Use 'top and tail' to describe preparatory steps before cooking fruits or vegetables.
Could you top and tail the carrots so we can add them to the roast?
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Action
'Top and tail' often implies cutting off very small parts from both ends.
Top and tail the green beans before blanching them.
Pro Tip 3/3Culinary Context
The phrase is especially common with garden produce like beans, strawberries, and fish.
We need to top and tail the strawberries for the tart.
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