What does "chisel out" mean?

To empty, hollow or remove substance from (something) using a chisel.

What is a synonym for "chisel out"?

Common synonyms include: mortising.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To empty, hollow or remove substance from (something) using a chisel. literally, transitive
2
To make (something) into an exception; to place (a topic) out of consideration. transitive
"We have to chisel out school funding from the debate."

"We have to chisel out school funding from the debate."