# give the axe

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-the-axe
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fire (dismiss from employment).

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.