carve up

phr.v. to cut something, like meat or a large object, into smaller pieces.

phr.v. to physically divide or cut an object into several distinct portions.

“The chef started to carve up the roast chicken for the guests.”

“After the turkey had rested, the host began to carve it up, ensuring each guest received a generous portion of both white and dark meat.”

phr.v. to divide a country, an area, or a company into smaller parts, often between different people or groups.

phr.v. to partition a territory, organisation, or set of assets, typically in an opportunistic or aggressive manner.

“The two companies planned to carve up the market between them.”

“Historians often debate how the colonial powers met to carve up the continent, drawing borders that ignored existing cultural and linguistic boundaries.”

Informal

phr.v. to drive dangerously in front of another car, forcing them to slow down.

phr.v. to overtake another vehicle and pull in sharply in front of it, causing a hazard.

“A taxi carved me up on the roundabout and I had to brake hard.”

“The driver was nearly involved in a multi-car collision after a speeding sports car carved him up without using a signal.”

British English · Informal