carve out
To work hard to create your own space, role, or success in something.
Meanings
To create or establish a role, reputation, or place for oneself through effort, usually in a competitive environment.
"She worked for years to carve out a career for herself in the competitive world of fashion."
To create a distinct space or portion by separating it from a larger whole.
"The developers carved out a new park area from the old industrial site."
To literally cut out a shape or section from a material.
"The sculptor carved out an intricate design from the block of marble."
Very common in professional, journalistic, and business English. Often followed by 'a niche', 'a career', 'a role', 'a reputation'. The literal sense (cutting) is less frequent in everyday use.
Commonly used with
Forms
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