Definition of "carve out" [carve out]

• To hollow by carving. (verb)
• To create (a reputation, chance, role, rank, career, victory) by hard work. (verb)

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• "Nigel had taken the first opportunity of following his fellow-conspirator towards the lands, offices and commands William of Roumare had promised them, where able young men of martial achievements and small scruples could carve out a fatter future than in two modest Shropshire manors on the edge of the Long Forest."
• "Did Margaret carve out those wishbones in the privacy of her bedroom, away from the prying eyes of her live-in help?"
• "One of the surgical students Thomas taught was Rowena Spencer, a white woman who faced great resistance because of her gender yet who, like Thomas, rose above the prevailing prejudice to carve out a legacy of her own."