Carve up
verb
To divide something into parts or pieces, often in an unfair way.
After their father's death, the siblings began to carve up his estate among themselves.
Often appears as...
- carve up the cake
- carve up the territory
Usage tips
General,Idiomatic
verb
An action in sports, where a player skilfully bypasses or deceives other players.
The star winger carved up the opposing defence to score a beautiful goal.
Often appears as...
- carve up the defence
- carve up the goalkeeper
Usage tips
General,Colloquial
verb
To cut or slice a piece of meat.
Every Thanksgiving, my dad carves up the turkey.
Often appears as...
- carve up the turkey
- carve up the roast
verb
To divide something into parts or pieces, often in an unfair way.
After their father's death, the siblings began to carve up his estate among themselves.
Often appears as...
- carve up the cake
- carve up the territory
Usage tips
General,Idiomatic
verb
An action in sports, where a player skilfully bypasses or deceives other players.
The star winger carved up the opposing defence to score a beautiful goal.
Often appears as...
- carve up the defence
- carve up the goalkeeper
Usage tips
General,Colloquial
verb
To cut or slice a piece of meat.
Every Thanksgiving, my dad carves up the turkey.
Often appears as...
- carve up the turkey
- carve up the roast
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair division
Often implies that the division is not equal or just among the involved parties.
They carved up the business profits, leaving the smallest share for the youngest.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative sense
Usually suggests a negative connotation, especially when used in personal or political contexts.
The empire was carved up by greedy generals with no concern for the people.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical use
Can be used metaphorically to describe dividing intangible things, like time or attention.
She carved up her day between work, study, and family.
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair division
Often implies that the division is not equal or just among the involved parties.
They carved up the business profits, leaving the smallest share for the youngest.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative sense
Usually suggests a negative connotation, especially when used in personal or political contexts.
The empire was carved up by greedy generals with no concern for the people.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical use
Can be used metaphorically to describe dividing intangible things, like time or attention.
She carved up her day between work, study, and family.
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair division
Often implies that the division is not equal or just among the involved parties.
They carved up the business profits, leaving the smallest share for the youngest.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative sense
Usually suggests a negative connotation, especially when used in personal or political contexts.
The empire was carved up by greedy generals with no concern for the people.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical use
Can be used metaphorically to describe dividing intangible things, like time or attention.
She carved up her day between work, study, and family.
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