axe

axe¹ also ax AmE [æks] n

1.) a tool with a heavy metal blade on the end of a long handle, used to cut down trees or split pieces of wood

→↑pickaxe

2.) the axe informal

if someone gets the axe, they are dismissed from their job

▪ 100 workers are facing the axe in a cost-cutting exercise.

3.) the axe informal

if a plan, system, or service gets the axe, someone gets rid of it

▪ MPs know there will be cuts in public spending but do not know on which department the axe will fall.

4.) have an axe to grind

to have a strong personal opinion about something which is the reason why you do something

▪ I need objective advice from someone with no axe to grind.

axe ²

axe² also ax AmE v [T]

1.) to suddenly dismiss someone from their job

▪ There are plans to axe 2600 staff.

2.) to get rid of a plan, system, or service, especially in order to save money

▪ TV's longest running show is to be axed.