ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give the axe

idiom
Meaning

To fire (dismiss from employment).


Examples
SIMPLE

The boss gave him the axe after he arrived late again.

CONTEXTUAL

The company was losing money, so they had to give the axe to several employees in the marketing department.

COMPLEX

After years of loyal service, he was shocked when the new management decided to give the axe to the entire senior leadership team without warning.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    don't give up your day job

    Somewhat sarcastic but usually good-natured advice used to criticise a person's degree of talent (especially in music or other performing arts), implying that they are unlikely to be successful.

  2. 02

    give a damn

    To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).

  3. 03

    give a fuck

    To care; to give a shit.

  4. 04

    give a good account of oneself

    To act in a creditable manner.

  5. 05

    give a hang

    give a hoot; give a damn (to care about; to place value on something)

  6. 06

    give a hoot

    To care about; to place value on something.

  7. 07

    give a light

    To care.

  8. 08

    give a monkey's

    To care; to have an interest or concern.

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