Literary notes about chunk (AI summary)
The word "chunk" figures in literature as a flexible and evocative descriptor that paints both physical and abstract elements with a sense of substantiality. It frequently designates a large, tangible piece—be it a chunk of wood lodged in a sawbuck ([1]), a hefty lump of meat handed over as a treat ([2], [3]), or even a block of fire wood that steadies a winter stove ([4]). At the same time, authors extend its use metaphorically to suggest a significant amount or impact, as when success is apportioned chunk by chunk, or a heart hardens into an icy chunk that slides down toward one’s boots ([5], [6]). The term thus enriches narrative texture by lending immediacy and heft to the objects and concepts it describes.
- While the collie renewed his acquaintance with the chipmunks, Ted laid a chunk of wood in the sawbuck and sawed off a twelve-inch length.
— from Double Challenge by Jim Kjelgaard - The moment his ropes were cut, he buried his teeth in the great chunk of roasted meat.
— from Harrigan by Max Brand - The ku-klux, without further teasing, gave the big chunk of meat to Joshua, who devoured it like a starved dog.
— from The Broken Sword; Or, A Pictorial Page in Reconstruction by D. Worthington - Before he went to bed, he opened the door and propped it with a chunk of fire wood.
— from Swamp Cat by Jim Kjelgaard - And—take it as a sincere compliment, if you wish—a good chunk of that success is going to rest on your youthful shoulders."
— from Dave Dawson with the Commandos by Robert Sidney Bowen - His heart became a chunk of ice that slid down toward his boots.
— from Dave Dawson with the R.A.F. by Robert Sidney Bowen
