Nicking

Nicking, in its most common usage, describes the act of making a small cut or indentation, often accidentally. It can also refer to the theft or pilfering of small items, generally in an informal or petty manner. Beyond the physical, it can also indicate a form of scoring, obtaining a win or success, especially in a competitive or informal setting. It also extends metaphorically to harming or damaging something. The act itself suggests something minor or unintentional.

Nicking meaning with examples

• While slicing the bread, she nicked her finger with the sharp knife, causing a minor injury. Despite the small cut, she continued to prepare the meal. This clumsy slip illustrates the literal meaning of 'nicking,' signifying an unintentional incision. The quick application of a plaster meant no further interruption to her cooking schedule.
• During his childhood, he admitted to occasionally nicking small sweets from the corner shop, driven more by curiosity than true need. It was his earliest foray into what later, was a very successful career. This refers to nicking as pilfering, the act of taking things of little value without permission. He saw no great moral offense as a child
• In the friendly game of cards, she felt she nicked a win by calling his bluff, even though the stakes were small. This illustrates 'nicking' as a form of achieving a small victory, outmaneuvering an opponent with minimal effort and small rewards. It was just enough to make him angry though. Her cunning payed off here
• The harsh criticism they received nicked at their confidence, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unsure. The negativity caused them to feel less assured about there work output. This exemplifies 'nicking' in a metaphorical sense, representing the subtle erosion of something positive or the causing of a small emotional injury.