chop v
   1 Of cod-fish, to slap the surface of the water with the tail and back extremities when swimming in schools or enclosed in a net.
   1927 DOYLE (ed) 65 "Three Devils for Fish": She steers like a rigger, she mounts the big lop, / But hark, Skipper Harry, I heard a fish chop. P 148--67 To hear fish chopping is a sign of plenty. Q 71-7 The fisherman could hear the fish chopping when he rowed near the trap.
   2 Phr chop the beam: to express surprise or amazement about something; see also NOTCH v.
   P 207-67 Well, chop the beam! Aunt Sally is coming to visit us. C 67-10 If someone visits your home who hasn't been there for a long time the saying when he comes in is 'Chop the beam!' This means to make a mark somewhere so as to remember it. It is said in an exclamatory voice.

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