chalk out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To draw or write out a rough plan of something, like sketching the main ideas.
Literal meaning: To draw something out on a surface using chalk — as a teacher might diagram a plan on a blackboard.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To draw a rough outline or boundary using chalk on a surface.
"The architect chalked out the building's footprint directly on the ground."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To plan or outline something in a preliminary way.
"The team chalked out a strategy before the big presentation."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in both literal (drawing chalk outlines) and figurative (planning) senses. More common in South Asian English (especially Indian English) for planning or outlining. Can also mean to physically draw an outline using chalk.
Commonly used with
plan strategy route outline design programme
Forms
Base
chalk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chalks out
he/she/it
Past simple
chalked out
yesterday
Past participle
chalked out
have + pp
-ing form
chalking out
continuous
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Synonyms
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