Take off the top is a phrase that can be used to describe the process of removing the uppermost layer of something. The crossword solutions for this phrase are SKIM (4 letters) and BEHEAD (6 letters). SKIM is an action that involves lightly touching or brushing the surface of something, while BEHEAD is an action that involves cutting off the head of something. Both of these actions can be used to take off the top of something, such as removing the top layer of paint from a wall or cutting off the top of a tree.