cave out
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To dig out the inside of something to make a hollow space, like digging a cave.
Literal meaning: To cave (excavate) something outward — creating a hollow.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To create a hollow space by removing material from the interior.
"Over centuries, the river had caved out a wide grotto in the limestone cliff."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Rare. The more common equivalent is 'hollow out' or 'carve out.' 'Cave out' appears in geological or engineering contexts and is not an established standard phrasal verb in most dictionaries. Learners should prefer 'hollow out' or 'carve out.'
Commonly used with
space tunnel rock earth chamber
Forms
Base
cave out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
caves out
he/she/it
Past simple
caved out
yesterday
Past participle
caved out
have + pp
-ing form
caving out
continuous
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Synonyms
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