# chip up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chip-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause something to have chips, cracks or dents.

## Examples

- Be careful not to chip up the new plates.
- The movers were careless and managed to chip up the edges of my antique table.
- By dragging the heavy metal trunk across the hardwood floor, he managed to chip up the finish in several places.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.