given

get the axe

1. if a person gets the axe, they lose their job. Senior staff are more likely to get the axe because the company can't afford their high salaries.

2. if a plan or a service gets the axe, it is stopped. My research project was the first thing to be given the ax when the new boss took over.

See also: axe

get the chop

1. if a person gets the chop, they lose their job. Anyone who argued with the foreman was liable to be given the chop.

2. if a plan or a service gets the chop, it is stopped. Our local bus service got the chop, so I have to walk to work or use the car.

See also: chop

given half a/the chance (informal)

if someone would do something given half a chance, they would certainly do it if they had the opportunity. He'd steal from his own grandmother, given half the chance. Given half a chance I'd leave this job today.

See also: chance, half

a God-given right

if someone thinks they have a God-given right to do something, they think they should be allowed to do it even if other people do not like it. He seems to think he has a God-given right to tell us all what to do. (often + to do something)

See also: right

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given half a chance

allowed any opportunity. Given half a chance, most writers would rather talk about a project than work on it.

Usage notes: also used in the form give someone/something half a chance: If we give Geoff half a chance, he could paint that kind of portrait.

See also: chance, half

given to doing something

to be likely to do something. Members of the academic community are given to attending meetings and conferences.

Usage notes: usually used after be, as in the example