chop up
Definition
Verb: 1. To cut something into smaller pieces, typically with repeated sharp blows using a knife, axe, or similar tool. This action involves dividing a larger whole into multiple parts, often for a specific purpose like cooking or disposal.
Usage
The verb "chop up" is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being cut). It is commonly used in contexts involving food preparation, woodcutting, or breaking down materials. - You need to chop up the onions before frying them. - The gardener chopped up the fallen branches for firewood.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Can describe dividing something abstract into smaller sections or parts.
- The report was chopped up into three main chapters for clarity.
- Emphatic Repetition: The "up" particle often emphasizes the completeness or thoroughness of the chopping action.
- He completely chopped up the old documents before recycling them.
Variants and Related Words
- Chop (verb): The base form, meaning to cut with a quick, heavy blow. "Chop" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "chop up," though "chop up" more strongly implies producing many pieces.
- Chop the parsley finely.
- Chopper (noun): A tool or machine for chopping.
- Chopping (noun/adj): The action or a surface used for chopping.
Synonyms
- Dice: To cut food into small cubes (specific to cooking).
- Mince: To cut into very small pieces.
- Cut up: A more general synonym.
- Hash: To chop into small pieces, especially meat.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Chop down: To make a tree or similar tall object fall by chopping.
- They had to chop down the dead tree.
- Chop off: To remove something by chopping.
- The knight chopped off the dragon's tail.
Related Idioms
- Chop and change: To keep changing your mind or plans frequently.
- I wish they'd make a decision instead of chopping and changing all the time. (Note: This idiom uses the base verb "chop," not the phrasal verb "chop up.")
Verb
-
cut into pieces
-
Chop wood
-
chop meat
-