chop

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to reduce the size of something or remove a part of it suddenly.

v. to reduce, shorten, or eliminate a portion of something, often used figuratively regarding budgets or text.

“The company had to chop its marketing budget by half this year.”

“The editor decided to chop the final two paragraphs to ensure the article fit on a single page.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking

n. a thick slice of meat, usually including a piece of bone.

n. a small cut of meat, typically from the rib, shoulder, or loin of a pig, lamb, or sheep.

“We are having grilled lamb chops with vegetables for dinner.”

“The butcher recommended the pork chops, noting that the bone-in cut would retain more moisture during the roasting process.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. small, rough waves on the surface of the water caused by wind.

n. a condition of surface water characterized by short, irregular, and often wind-driven waves.

“The boat bounced uncomfortably because of the heavy chop in the bay.”

“Despite the significant chop on the lake's surface, the experienced sailors managed to maintain a steady course toward the harbour.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal

n. the act of losing your job.

n. the termination of employment; typically used with the definite article in the phrase 'get the chop'.

“He was worried about getting the chop after the company lost its biggest client.”

“Rumours of a corporate restructure led many senior managers to fear they might be next to get the chop.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Dialect

n. an official stamp or seal used on documents.

n. an official seal or stamp, or the mark made by one, used to authenticate documents.

“The clerk placed a red chop on the contract to show it was approved.”

“The document is not legally binding until the company chop has been applied to the signature page.”