give (one) the ax(e)

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give (one) the ax(e)

To dismiss one from one's job; to fire one. The boss is going to give me the axe if he finds out that printing error was my fault.
See also: give
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give someone the ax

1. tv. to dismiss someone from employment. I was afraid they would give me the ax.
2. tv. to divorce someone. She gave him the ax because he wouldn’t stop smoking like he promised.
See also: ax, give, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

give someone the ax, to

To fire someone from his or her job. See also sack; pink slip.
See also: give, someone, to
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in periodicals archive ?
2 home electronics retailer, announced it is laying off 11 employees in New Hampshire as part of its recently announced decision to give the ax to 3,400 of its higher-paid workers in favor of rehiring new staff at lower pay rates.
Store cuts: Circuit City lays off 11 in N.H
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