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."
separable
chalk out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To outline or plan something, often in a preliminary or rough way.
In plain English
To draw or write out a rough plan of something, like sketching the main ideas.
What does "chalk out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To plan or outline something in a preliminary way.
"The team chalked out a strategy before the big presentation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To draw something out on a surface using chalk — as a teacher might diagram a plan on a blackboard.
Actually means
To draw or write out a rough plan of something, like sketching the main ideas.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "chalk out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plan strategy route outline design programme
How to conjugate "chalk out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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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