phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

"get the axe"

Posted by Bob on November 15, 2000

In Reply to: "Get the axe" posted by ESC on November 15, 2000

: : I know "get the axe" means to be fired or eliminated from employment, but who knows the derivation of this phrase?

: I couldn't find this phrase in my reference books. But it seems obvious to me that it refers to a tree being cut down. A tree is "felled." An employee is fired.

Unless it's the executioner's axe we're speaking of.... just as final, but more vivid.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.