carve up
The phrase "carve up" can refer to dividing or cutting something into parts, often with negative or unfair connotations.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To cut something into smaller parts or pieces.
Example
- The butcher carved up the meat into thin slices.
C1Political
(historical, negative)To divide a region or territory, often in an unfair or exploitative manner.
Example
- The colonial powers carved up Africa without regard for existing tribal boundaries.
C1Business
(informal, negative)To divide a company or its assets among different parties, often seen as unjust.
Example
- The corporation was carved up and sold to various investors.
C1Competition
(informal, negative)To unfairly manipulate the outcome of a competition or event.
Example
- The biased referee's calls carved up the game in favor of the home team.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "carve up":
carve outcut upcut intochop upchisel outchisel upcave outchop it upchop outcarving knifeparcel upshave upcut to piecescut inpick apartsplit upslice and dicetear apartslice the pietear uphack offhollow outwood carvingrip upmake mincemeat out ofcut outdivide and conquerdrive a wedgehack upcut cakechop off