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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Get the axe

Hi,
If someone gets the axe, they are dismissed from their job. Do they get the axe because of business reasons or poor job performance or either way?

Is the phrase informal?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

The phrase is informal. I believe there is no reason inherent in the expression.

— Philip

  • The phrase is informal.
  • I believe there is no reason inherent in the expression.
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9 Answers
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The phrase is informal.

I believe there is no reason inherent in the expression.
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Hi Philip,

Thanks for your help. I'm afraid I don't quite understand your answer here. Do you mean we can use 'get the axe' if someone is dismissed due to either business reasons or poor job performance or because of any other reasons?
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Yes.

Did you hear headquarters are elminating our product line? Everyone who works in the factory is going to get the axe.

John was caught stealing from the toolbox. He got the axe within the hour.

As Philip said, it's a very informal exprssion.
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Hi GG,

Thank you very much for your kind help.
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Hi,

I also hear the related expression, 'He got the chop'.

Clive
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Grammar GeekJohn was caught stealing from the toolbox. He got the axe within the hour.

Is that the axe he stole from the toolbox?
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No, it was the pneumatic drill and the tiny screwdriver. Emotion: stick out tongue
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khoffIs that the axe he stole from the toolbox?
Emotion: big smile
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AnonymousDo they get the axe

I also heard "to get the boot/sack" to mean "to be dismissed from the job", if you're interested to know more on "being fired"

I'm not sure, but maybe in the medieval times, to get the axe meant to be sentenced to death by beheading.
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