give the axe
To fire (dismiss from employment).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The boss gave him the axe after he arrived late again.”
“The company was losing money, so they had to give the axe to several employees in the marketing department.”
“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.”
- 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.
- 02
give a damn
To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).
- 03
give a fuck
To care; to give a shit.
- 04
give a good account of oneself
To act in a creditable manner.
- 05
give a hang
give a hoot; give a damn (to care about; to place value on something)
- 06
give a hoot
To care about; to place value on something.
- 07
give a light
To care.
- 08
give a monkey's
To care; to have an interest or concern.
Last updated August 10, 2026