chisel

Everyday

1. A tool with a flat, sharp metal end, used with a hammer or mallet to cut or shape wood, stone or metal. tree →
2. (verb) To cut or carve with a chisel: «He chiselled his name into the stone.» tree →
3. (adjective form) «Chiselled» features means a face with sharp, clear lines. tree →
4. (old slang, US) To cheat someone. tree →

In the lessons

In design and technology and history lessons, sculptors and stonemasons use chisels to carve statues and letters. Safety: always cut away from your body and keep hands behind the blade. In stories «chiselled» faces are handsome and strong.

Examples

• The carpenter used a chisel to make a groove. tree →
• Michelangelo carved marble with a chisel. tree →
• Always cut away from your body with a chisel. tree →
• They chiselled the names into the war memorial. tree →
• The stonemason tapped the chisel with a mallet. tree →
• The hero had a chiselled jaw. tree →
• Sometimes he would make a little statue of soft clay; sometimes he would take hammer and chisel, and try to cut a statue from a piece of rock. tree →

Note

Spelling: chisel (one l). UK: chiselled, chiselling (double l); US: chiseled, chiseling. Say «CHIZ-ul».

In Jewish tradition

In design and technology and history lessons, sculptors and stonemasons use chisels to carve statues and letters. Safety: always cut away from your body and keep hands behind the blade. In stories «chiselled» faces are handsome and strong.

Note

Spelling: chisel (one l). UK: chiselled, chiselling (double l); US: chiseled, chiseling. Say «CHIZ-ul».