# saw

/ˈsɔ/ (US) · /sˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/saw
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. to cut with a tool

verb · CEFR B1

to cut something using a tool with a sharp, toothed blade.

For teachers: to cut or divide something using a saw; often used with 'off' or 'through'.

- He had to saw the thick branch into smaller pieces for the fire.
- The carpenter carefully began to saw through the oak plank, ensuring the line remained perfectly straight for the cabinet frame.

### 3. cutting tool

noun · CEFR A2

a tool with a sharp, metal blade that has 'teeth' for cutting wood or metal.

For teachers: a hand tool or power tool consisting of a tough blade, wire, or chain with a hard toothed edge.

- You will need a sharp saw to cut through these wooden boards.
- The workshop was filled with various types of saws, ranging from delicate coping saws to heavy-duty circular models.

### 4. a proverb

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

an old saying or a piece of traditional advice.

For teachers: a sententious saying or a traditional maxim.

- The old man shared an ancient saw about the importance of patience.
- His speech was peppered with weary old saws that failed to inspire the younger members of the audience.

## Examples

- He uses a hand saw to cut the wooden boards for the shelf.
- The carpenter sharpened the teeth of his saw before starting work on the custom oak cabinet.
- While modern workshops often rely on powered circular blades, the traditional hand saw remains an essential tool for fine adjustments and delicate joinery where precision is paramount.

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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.