Chip off
phrase
To chip off something means to break a small piece off from something larger.
Be careful with that glass, you might chip off a piece.
Often appears as...
- chip off a piece
- chip off a part
idiom
Someone who is a 'chip off the old block' is very similar to their parent in behavior, appearance, or attitudes.
His dad was an excellent golfer and it seems he's a chip off the old block.
Often appears as...
- a chip off the old block
- she's a chip off the old block
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To chip off something means to break a small piece off from something larger.
Be careful with that glass, you might chip off a piece.
Often appears as...
- chip off a piece
- chip off a part
idiom
Someone who is a 'chip off the old block' is very similar to their parent in behavior, appearance, or attitudes.
His dad was an excellent golfer and it seems he's a chip off the old block.
Often appears as...
- a chip off the old block
- she's a chip off the old block
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Used when a small part is actually broken off from something bigger, often by accident.
She dropped the vase and chipped off a corner.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe removing part of an abstract whole.
We need to chip off some tasks from our to-do list.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often implies damage or reduction in value, so it's used in negative contexts.
The sculptor chipped off too much, ruining the statue.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Used when a small part is actually broken off from something bigger, often by accident.
She dropped the vase and chipped off a corner.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe removing part of an abstract whole.
We need to chip off some tasks from our to-do list.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often implies damage or reduction in value, so it's used in negative contexts.
The sculptor chipped off too much, ruining the statue.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Used when a small part is actually broken off from something bigger, often by accident.
She dropped the vase and chipped off a corner.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe removing part of an abstract whole.
We need to chip off some tasks from our to-do list.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often implies damage or reduction in value, so it's used in negative contexts.
The sculptor chipped off too much, ruining the statue.
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