chalk out

To work out or describe the main parts of a plan.

• Let's chalk out a plan.
• The team chalked out its goals for next year.
• Have you chalked out a route for the journey?

How to use it: chalk out something for someone/something (They chalked out a strategy for the election.)

Similar words: outline, map out, plan

Common phrases: chalk out something, chalk out plans, chalk out strategies

To draw or mark something on a surface with chalk.

• Chalk out a circle here.
• The children chalked out squares on the pavement.
• We chalked the room's new layout out on the floor.

How to use it: chalk something out on something (She chalked the outline out on the floor.)

Similar words: mark out, draw

Common phrases: chalk out lines, chalk out something, chalk out squares

In a bet covering several races, to have the expected winners win every remaining race.

• The remaining races chalked out.
• Our pick five chalked out after the opening upset.
• If the rest chalks out, the payout will be small.

Common phrases: chalk out completely, chalk out afterwards

To die.

• He chalked out last night.
• The old man chalked out before the doctor arrived.
• Nobody expected her to chalk out so young.

Similar words: die, kick the bucket

Common phrases: chalk out suddenly, chalk out young

To kill someone.

• They planned to chalk him out.
• The gunman chalked out two rivals.
• He feared they would chalk him out if he talked.

How to use it: chalk someone out (The gang threatened to chalk him out.)

Similar words: kill, murder, bump off

Common phrases: chalk out someone, chalk out enemies