Definition

1. Noun:

   • A metal tool with a sharp beveled edge: A "chisel" is a hand tool with a shaped cutting edge at the end of its blade, used for carving or cutting hard materials like wood, stone, or metal.

2. Verb:

   • To carve or shape with a chisel: To use a chisel to cut, carve, or form a material.
   • To cheat or swindle someone: To deprive someone of something (especially money) through deceit or fraud.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The sculptor selected a fine chisel to detail the statue's face.
  • You need a sharp chisel for this type of woodworking.

• Verb (to carve):

  • He will chisel the inscription into the granite.
  • Artists chisel blocks of marble to create sculptures.

• Verb (to cheat):

  • The dishonest contractor tried to chisel the elderly couple.
  • They chiseled him out of his inheritance with a fake contract.

Advanced Usage

• "To chisel away at something": To gradually and persistently work on something, often a difficult task.

  • She chiseled away at the novel for years before finishing it.
  • We need to chisel away at this problem until we find a solution.

• "To chisel in": To intrude or force one's way into a situation (often used figuratively).

  • He managed to chisel in on their business deal.

Variants and Related Words

• Chiseler (noun): A person who cheats or swindles others.

  • That chiseler sold me a car that doesn't run.

• Chiseled (adjective):

  • Having clear, sharp features: Often used to describe a person's face with well-defined bone structure.

    • He has a strong, chiseled jaw.
  • Shaped or carved with a chisel.

    • The chiseled details on the altar were exquisite.

Synonyms

• Noun (Tool): Gouge, blade.
• Verb (Carve): Carve, sculpt, engrave, incise.
• Verb (Cheat): Swindle, defraud, con, trick, cheat, rip off.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Chisel out:
  • To carve or gouge something out using a chisel.

    • He chiseled out a small cavity in the wood.
  • To obtain something through deceit.

    • The scam was designed to chisel out people's savings.

Related Idioms

• "Chiseled in stone": Something that is permanent, fixed, and unchangeable. (Note: More common as "etched in stone" or "set in stone").
  • The plan isn't chiseled in stone; we can still make adjustments.

Noun

1. an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge

Verb

1. carve with a chisel
   • chisel the marble
2. deprive somebody of something by deceit
   • The con-man beat me out of $50
   • This salesman ripped us off!
   • we were cheated by their clever-sounding scheme
   • They chiseled me out of my money
3. engage in deceitful behavior; practice trickery or fraud
   • Who's chiseling on the side?