carving

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Related to Carvings: Stone carvings, Wood carvings

carve (out) a niche

To establish a unique role (for oneself), usually by excelling in a very specific area. I was able to carve out a niche at the farmers' market by selling something no one else was—dried beans. Our graphic designer really carved out a niche for himself with that series of innovative ads. It's hard to carve out a niche in an industry once it becomes so oversaturated.

carve (something) from (something)

To use a knife or other tool to carve a block or mass of some material, typically wood, into a desired shape. I'm always so impressed by artisans that can carve animal figures from blocks of wood. Do we really need to have someone carve our initials from a block of ice for the wedding? Let's just save that money. Whoa, Sean really carved this bowl from a block of wood?

carve (something) in stone

To make something permanent and incapable of being changed, typically a plan or idea. We might get brunch next weekend, but we haven't carved anything in stone yet. A: "Whoever signed off on these blueprints is definitely getting in trouble with the project manager." B: "I know, why would they carve this hideous design in stone?" I think I have a good shot at getting the job, but no one from the company has carved it in stone yet.

carve (something) into (something)

1. To etch something into a particular surface or material. Don't carve your initials into your desk unless you want to get detention. A: "You guys carved a heart into the tree trunk?" B: "Yeah, 'cause we're going out, like, officially now." The art teacher was just explaining how to carve patterns into linoleum blocks.

2. To use a knife or other tool to carve a block of some material, typically wood, into a desired shape. I'm always so impressed by artisans that can carve blocks of wood into beautiful animal figures. Do we really need to have someone carve a block of ice into our initials for the wedding? Let's just save that money. Wait, you really have professional tools for carving sand into sandcastles?

carve out

1. Literally, to remove the inner part of an object. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carve" and "out." The first step in this recipe is to carve out your fruit and dispose of the seeds. They made canoes by carving out big logs. Whoa, you really carved out part of a tree trunk to make this bowl?

2. To establish a niche or role for oneself. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carve" and "out." It took a long time, and many small acting parts, before I was able to carve out a career as a character actor. With her willingness to do any boring task with a smile, that intern has really carved out a role for herself in the HR department. It's hard to carve out a niche in an industry once it becomes so oversaturated.

3. To take or obtain a portion of something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carve" and "out." I decided to invest in their unique product because I could see it carving out a chunk of the tech market in the near future. Our house is so small that my husband and I have had to carve out respective parts of the attic to accommodate our hobbies. Which one of you kids carved out a section of the birthday cake? It was for Emily's party tonight!

carve up

1. To cut or divide something into smaller pieces. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carve" and "up." It's tradition for my dad to carve up the turkey. I think the project will feel less daunting if we carve it up into sections and each work on one. Ugh, if we have 10 guys play the gig with us, we're going to have to carve up the pay 10 ways.

2. To injure or damage someone or something by cutting. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carve" and "up." When that guy punched me in the face, his ring really carved me up. I hope I don't need stiches! That guy really carved up the side of my car when he sideswiped me. A: "I've never watched this show before. Whoa, what's up with that dude's scar?" B: "Apparently, one of his rivals in military school carved up his face during a training exercise."

carve someone or something up

to damage someone or something by careless or purposeful cutting (of a person, can be figurative). Someone carved the tabletop up. Who did it and why? The boxer wanted to carve up his opponent.

carve something out

to hollow something out by carving; to make something hollow by carving. Can he carve a bowl out of such soft wood? He carved out the bowl of the pipe and then began to sand it.

carve something out (of something)

to remove something from the inside of something else by carving or cutting. She carved the insides out. She carved out the insides of the pumpkin.

carve something up

to divide something up, perhaps carelessly. The peace treaty carved the former empire up into several countries. You can't just carve up one country and give the pieces away.