give the axe
Cut someone loose
To give the axe is to terminate someone's employment or end something abruptly: The company gave the axe to three hundred workers, They gave the axe to the whole project.
The expression evokes the executioner's blade.
Also give the ax.
The passive form get the axe means to be fired or discontinued.
- lay offTerminate employment temporarily
- terminateBring to an end
- pink slipEmployment termination notice
- walking papersInformal dismissal notice
- send awayCause to depart
dismiss · show the door · can · fire · let go · let someone go · get the boot · boot out · kick out · sack · marching orders · downsize · reduction in force · discharge · oust · furlough · remove · expel
project/plan continuation
give the axegreenlight
Authorization to proceed
approve · give the go-ahead · fund · give the green light · authorize