1 B2 idiomatic informal
To use part of a reserve, fund, or supply, reducing it somewhat.
"We had to chip into our emergency savings to cover the unexpected repair bill."
inseparable
chip into
B2 informal transitive
To break into or make a dent in a resource, fund, or supply by using part of it.
In plain English
To start using part of a supply of money or something else that you were trying to save or keep.
What does "chip into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To physically chip a piece of material into or onto something.
"He chipped notches into the wooden post to mark each passing week."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To chip (break off a piece) into something — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To start using part of a supply of money or something else that you were trying to save or keep.
Usage tip
Less common than 'dip into' or 'chip in.' Most naturally used in the context of funds, savings, or supplies. May also literally mean to cut or chip a piece into something physical.
Words that pair with "chip into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
savings reserves fund supply budget profit
How to conjugate "chip into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chip into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chips into
he/she/it
Past simple
chiped into
yesterday
Past participle
chiped into
have + pp
-ing form
chiping into
continuous
Hear "chip into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "chip into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "chip into"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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