chop
(tʃɒp )
Word forms: chops , chopping , chopped
1. verb B2
If you chop something, you cut it into pieces with strong downward movements of a knife or an axe.
Chop the butter into small pieces. [VERB noun + into]
Chop the onions very finely. [VERB noun]
Visitors were set to work chopping wood. [VERB noun]
...chopped tomatoes. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: cut, fell, axe, slash
2. countable noun [usually noun NOUN]
A chop is a small piece of meat cut from the ribs of a sheep or pig.
...grilled lamb chops.
3. chop and change phrase
When people chop and change, they keep changing their minds about what to do or how to act. [British, informal]
Don't ask me why they have chopped and changed so much.
4. be for the chop/get the chop phrase
If something is for the chop or is going to get the chop, it is going to be stopped or closed. If someone is for the chop, they are going to lose their job or position. [British, informal]
He won't say which programmes are for the chop.
I was both disappointed and amazed when I got the chop from the team.
Phrasal verbs:
chop down
phrasal verb B2 [Also VERB noun PARTICLE]
If you chop down a tree, you cut through its trunk with an axe so that it falls to the ground.
Sometimes they have to chop down a tree for firewood. [VERB PARTICLE noun]
chop off
phrasal verb B2
To chop off something such as a part of someone's body means to cut it off.
She chopped off her golden, waist-length hair. [VERB PARTICLE noun]
They dragged him to the village square and chopped his head off. [VERB noun PARTICLE]
chop up
phrasal verb B2
If you chop something up, you chop it into small pieces.
Chop up three firm tomatoes. [VERB PARTICLE noun]
...chopped up banana. [VERB-ed PARTICLE]
Image of chop
© Chiyacat, Shutterstock
Idioms:
for the chop [British, informal]
about to lose your job
There are rumours that he is for the chop.
not allowed to continue or remain
He won't say which programmes are for the chop.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
chop and change [British]
to keep changing your plans
After chopping and changing for the first year, Paul and Jamie have settled down to a stable system of management.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Collocations:
chop a tree chop coarsely chop finely chop roughly chop wood
In log splitting, my challenge was to chop a tree stump into pieces small enough to be posted through a 6in hole.
Times, Sunday Times
When we saw them causing damage a few years ago, we asked the neighbours if they would chop the tree down (and offered to share the costs).
Times, Sunday Times
Such was the spirit of the times, sadly, that they also set about chopping the trees down in the hope of making commercial gain.
Times,Sunday Times
Peel the garlic and ginger and chop coarsely.
Times, Sunday Times
Drain, and when they are cool enough to handle, dry with kitchen paper and chop coarsely.
The Sun
Peel garlic, chop coarsely, add a pinch salt and crush to make paste.
Times, Sunday Times
Squeeze the spinach dry and chop coarsely.
Times, Sunday Times
When cooled, peel and chop coarsely.
Times, Sunday Times
Place the bacon in the bowl of a food processor and chop finely.
Times, Sunday Times
Chop finely and place on greaseproof paper on a tray in the hot oven.
Times, Sunday Times
When cool, pulse them in the processor or chop finely by hand, then sprinkle over the topping.
Times, Sunday Times
Scrape the aubergine flesh off the skin and chop finely.
Times, Sunday Times
Scoop out and cool, then chop finely and put to one side.
Times, Sunday Times
Pull the leaves off the parsley stems and chop roughly.
Times, Sunday Times
Leave to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes, then carefully lift them out of the liquid and chop roughly.
Times, Sunday Times
Leave to cool and, when cold, chop roughly.
Times, Sunday Times
Peel, core and chop roughly, working as quickly as you can before they discolour.
Times, Sunday Times
Peel garlic, chop roughly, add pinch of salt and pulp to a paste.
Times, Sunday Times
I could describe the servitude of a youth who devoured books but must chop wood and till the unforgiving acres.
Times,Sunday Times
We grow vegetables, tend to the fields, chop wood and cut hay.
Times, Sunday Times
Perhaps we should all be emulating those who have - rather presciently, it turns out - learnt to chop wood and recycle everything into something useful.
Times, Sunday Times
He wanted to keep busy after retirement, but chose to cut grass and chop wood instead of being trapped behind a desk.
Times, Sunday Times
In his free time he would chop wood or swim in his pool.
Times,Sunday Times
Translations:
Chinese: 砍, 砍
Japanese: たたき切ること, たたき切る