To divide something, especially territory or spoils, in an aggressive or unfair way; also to cut meat at a table.
To cut something up and share it out, often in a greedy or unfair way.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To divide territory, assets, or power among several parties, often in a way that is unfair or self-serving.
"After the war, the victorious powers carved up the defeated nation between themselves."
They simply carved up the continent for their own benefit.
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, 1994 (referring to the colonial partition of Africa)
To cut and slice a large piece of cooked meat into portions for serving.
"My uncle carved up the turkey while everyone waited at the table."
(British English, informal) To overtake other vehicles dangerously on the road, cutting in front of them sharply.
"A white van carved us up on the motorway and nearly caused an accident."
To carve (cut with a knife) something upward or into pieces — as one does with a roast at the dinner table.
To cut something up and share it out, often in a greedy or unfair way.
Most commonly used in political or business contexts to suggest that powerful parties divided something unfairly. In British English it can also mean reckless overtaking while driving. The literal sense (carving meat) is neutral and common.
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