chopping block
- noun
- /ˈtʃɑːpɪŋ blɑːk/
- He would wedge the bottle of schnapps between the pieces of wood and set the glass beside him on the chopping block.
- using a chopping block
Well, that tree segment, somebody, somebody have to had to lift that up onto the chopping block.
- Well, that tree segment, somebody, somebody have to had to lift that up onto the chopping block.
Examples
-
Rancid was outside, perched on his chopping block, apparently thinking about splitting some wood.
Fiction book (1995) -
So this particular incident came as a surprise, as I did not break the item up on the chopping block today.
Blog text (6) -
I find him at the chopping block, skinning garlic.
Fiction book (1994) -
He rushes back to the house, stopping only to pull his ax from the chopping block.
Fiction book (2000) -
This ivory siwa, illustrated by T. Ainsworth Dickson in 1921, still survived at Vanga near the Tanzania border, although it had been used as a chopping block.
Academic text (1996) -
He withdrew an enormous square of starched linen from the tail pocket of his coat and laid it neatly over a stump, temporarily withdrawn from its usual function as a chopping block.
Fiction book (1991) -
A large wooden chopping block is essential for preparing vegetables in the kitchen.
-
She carefully placed the meat on the chopping block before starting to slice it.
-
The chef preferred using a sturdy chopping block made from hardwood for his daily prep tasks.
Synonyms
A flat board used to cut food like meat or vegetables
A thick wooden board used for cutting and preparing food
A flat board used for cutting food like meat or vegetables
Thick board made by joining strips of strong wood for use as a cutting surface
How Big
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a block used for chopping' is directly and compositionally derivable from 'chop' (to cut) + 'block' (a solid piece of material); the participial form 'chopping' signals the block's purpose. This noun-compound / adjective-noun pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Chopping block comes from the simple image of a heavy wooden block where people chop food or wood. So it now means 'a strong wooden board used for cutting'.