give the axe: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  generalneutralliteral
  • To hand an axe to someone.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The guide gave the axe to the lumberjack before they started chopping the trees.

    The guide handed the axe to the lumberjack before they began chopping the trees.

  • She was given the axe carefully to avoid any accidents during the camping trip.

    She was handed the axe carefully to prevent accidents during the camping trip.

  • Can you give him the axe? He needs it to split the firewood.

    Can you hand him the axe? He requires it to split the firewood.

  • They were given the axes at the start of the forest clearing exercise.

    They received the axes at the beginning of the forest clearing activity.

• 2.

  USUKgeneralinformalidiomaticcolloquial
  • To dismiss someone from employment; to fire.

  Examples

  Beta

  • After months of poor performance, the company finally gave her the axe.

    After months of poor performance, the company finally fired her.

  • If the budget cuts continue, they will have to give the axe to several staff members.

    If the budget cuts persist, they will have to dismiss several employees.

  • He was given the axe without any warning, which left him shocked and confused.

    He was fired without any warning, leaving him shocked and confused.