Synonyms

chopping block

American

noun

a thick, often large block of wood on which meat, vegetables, etc., are placed for cutting, trimming, chopping, and the like.

Etymology

Origin of chopping block

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Suddenly everyone took action and many coal plants were on the chopping block or getting retired,” McMahon said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Only 39, he took up the role with gusto, launching into an anti-crime drive that proved popular with the electorate but not enough to keep his head off the chopping block.

From Barron's

Pressure to cut costs puts local TV news gathering in small and rural markets on the chopping block.

From The Wall Street Journal

Noem and Miller are among those whom Washington wags say could also be on the chopping block.

From Salon

It was the perfect opportunity to place him on the chopping block.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023