Chiseling

/ˈtʃɪzəlɪŋ/ verb, noun

Definition

The present participle of chisel; cutting or shaping with a chisel tool, or figuratively, engaging in deception or swindling.

Etymology

From chisel (from Old French cisel, from Vulgar Latin cisiellum, diminutive of caesus 'cut') plus the -ing suffix to form the continuous/progressive verb form or gerund.

Kelly Says

Chiseling is a word that works beautifully both literally and figuratively—you can watch a sculptor chiseling marble while watching a con artist chiseling a victim, and both meanings use the exact same root!

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