hatchet men
Dirty work doers
Hatchet men do the dirty work—firing employees, delivering bad news, or carrying out attacks on behalf of others.
The term suggests someone dispatched to do unpleasant tasks that principals prefer to delegate: The CEO sent his hatchet men to announce the layoffs.
Originally referred to Chinese gang enforcers armed with hatchets in 19th-century America.
- assassinsKillers of important people
- hit manContract killer
- thugsViolent criminals
- henchmenLoyal subordinates to wrongdoers
- enforcersThose who impose obedience
hired muscle · strong arm · leg breaker · mercenaries · brutal · wet work · dirty work · downsizer · corporate raider · spin doctor · attack dog · fixer · mobsters · ruthless · mudslinger · propagandist · hitman · muscle
hatchet mennegotiators
Those who arrange agreements
peacemakers · mediators · diplomats · bridge-builders · healers
hatchet mennurturers
Those who foster development
peacekeepers · mentors · arbitrators · protectors · go-betweens