Chiseling Meaning in English
word · lemma: chisel
Definition
The act of cutting or shaping something with a chisel, usually stone or wood. Informally, it can mean cheating or swindling someone.
Usage & Nuances
'Chiseling' is formal in a craft or art sense, and informal/slang when referring to trickery. In slang, 'chiseling' is connected to cheating for money or advantage—don't confuse this use with the literal woodworking or sculpting meaning. Common with 'chiseling away at' (working steadily), or in crime-related contexts.
Example Sentences
The artist spent hours chiseling the statue.
basic
He is chiseling a piece of wood.
basic
The old man was caught chiseling customers out of money.
basic
She's been chiseling away at the marble for weeks.
natural
I heard they were chiseling tourists with fake tickets.
natural
My neighbor keeps chiseling away at that fence, trying to fix it.
natural