take an ax to
Meaning: To cut something drastically, especially spending or jobs.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The new government took an ax to the public transport budget.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Chopping with an ax rather than trimming carefully. The figurative sense is found from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Une coupe sombre — literally: A dark cutting
More idioms — Daily Life
- in the crosshairs — Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
- raise a hue and cry — To make a loud public protest.
- a Sophie's choice — An agonizing choice between two terrible options.
- at someone's beck and call — Always ready to obey someone's orders.
- set one's cap at — To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
- the big leagues — The highest, most competitive level of an activity.
More English idioms
- the four corners of the earth — Every part of the world.
- hand in hand — Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- kicking and screaming — Very reluctantly, protesting all the way.
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- Unique New York. — Three words that jam the 'y/n/k' sequence together — repeat it and it collapses into 'you…