hack at

hack at (something)

To cut away at something and remove pieces of it, often with clumsy strokes or whacks. Quit hacking at the roast and just let Dad cut it, will you?See also: hack

hack (away) at someone or something

to chop at someone or something continuously. The brutal murderer hacked away at his victim. The woodchopper hacked at the tree and finally got it down.See also: hack