chisel
What does "chisel" mean?
A chisel is a specialized hand tool with a sharp, beveled metal blade at the end, used for carving, cutting, or shaping hard materials like wood, stone, or metal. Imagine applying force to the handle with a mallet, driving the wedge-shaped edge into the material to shave away thin layers or create deep grooves. In a figurative sense, "chisel" is often used to describe someone who is physically fit or "chiseled," implying their features are sharp, defined, and sculpted like a statue. It is also used as a verb to describe the slow, precise process of working toward a goal or, in a negative sense, to swindle or cheat someone out of money.
"chisel" in conversation
Woodworking shop
Be careful with that chisel, the edge is brand new.
Be careful with that chisel, the edge is brand new.
I know, I’m just trying to carve this joint flat.
I know, I’m just trying to carve this joint flat.
Used in its literal sense regarding tools.
Gym talk
Have you been training for a marathon? You look chiseled!
Have you been training for a marathon? You look chiseled!
Haha, thanks! It’s been a lot of early mornings at the gym.
Haha, thanks! It’s been a lot of early mornings at the gym.
Used as an adjective to describe a sculpted, athletic physique.
"chisel" in a sentence
He used a small chisel to carve his name into the wooden bench.
He used a small chisel to carve his name into the wooden bench.
The sculptor chiseled away the excess marble to reveal the face of the statue.
The sculptor chiseled away the excess marble to reveal the face of the statue.
Years of disciplined practice had chiseled his raw talent into a refined skill set.
Years of disciplined practice had chiseled his raw talent into a refined skill set.
