# chalk out

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chalk-out
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. to draw with chalk

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to draw or write something on a surface using chalk.

For teachers: to delineate or mark a surface using chalk as the medium.

- The children used white stones to chalk out a game on the pavement.
- The investigators had to chalk out the position of the vehicles before the rain washed away the evidence from the asphalt.

Usage: Often used with physical surfaces like boards, pavements, or roads.

## Examples

- We need to chalk out a plan for the meeting.
- The architect sat down with the clients to chalk out the basic layout of the new house.
- Before the campaign could begin in earnest, the strategy team spent weeks chalking out the potential risks and logistical requirements of the expansion.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: connect this to the image of drawing a rough plan on a chalkboard; it emphasizes the 'outlining' phase rather than the final execution.

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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.