Help with food

I am making some roasted asparagus and it says

"Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. "
What does this mean? I have never messed with asparagus before.

I usually cut like an inch and a half off the bottoms because they are usually tough, I have never peeled them.

Quoting [JadeLee]:" I usually cut like an inch and a half off the bottoms because they are usually tough, I have never peeled them."

Ok. Thank you!