carve up — to divide something (such as land, money, or a business) into parts, especially in a way that benefits certain people unfairly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to divide something (such as land, money, or a business) into parts, especially in a way that benefits certain people unfairly
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɑːrv ʌp/
Example Sentences
- The three roommates carved up the pizza before it got cold, each grabbing the biggest slice they could.
- After the company went bankrupt, its assets were carved up among the creditors.
- My little brother tried to carve up my birthday cake with a plastic sword like a tiny pirate.
carve up
VERB[/kɑːrv ʌp/]
to divide something (such as land, money, or a business) into parts, especially in a way that benefits certain people unfairly
The victorious generals carve up the conquered lands on a giant map.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'carve' derives from Old English 'ceorfan', meaning to cut or engrave. Originally used to describe the action of cutting wood or meat with a knife, the term evolved to encompass artistic carving. The phrasal verb 'carve up' formed when the adverb 'up' was added, intensifying the sense of complete division into separate pieces.
Breakdown
carve (from Old English 'ceorfan': to cut, engrave) + up (adverb indicating completion and distribution). Together they form a phrasal verb meaning to divide completely into portions or pieces.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The three roommates carved up the pizza before it got cold, each grabbing the biggest slice they could.”
“After the company went bankrupt, its assets were carved up among the creditors.”
“My little brother tried to carve up my birthday cake with a plastic sword like a tiny pirate.”
“European powers once carved up Africa without asking the people who actually lived there.”
📚Related Words
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