branch off—deviate from an original direction:
- At the bridge a little road branches off from the highway and follows the river.
branch out—
1. (of a tree) spread out into branches:
- The tree branched out in every direction, casting a vast shadow over the house.
2. = branch off:
- After a pair of bends in descent the asphalt ends and the road branches out in three directions.
3. add new interests or activities:
- John started a television repair shop, then he branched out and began selling television sets too.