chopping block
noun1
A thick wooden slab used as a cutting surface for preparing food, splitting firewood or kindling, etc.
- Near-synonyms: butcher block, butcher's block
2
Historical, Informal A block of wood against which a condemned person put their head prior to beheading.
3
Broadly A dangerous or precarious situation.
- Jim really put his head on the chopping block when he started flirting with the boss's daughter.
4
Broadly The threat of an impending budget cut.
- Our team might be on the chopping block — the company seems to be finding excuses to avoid funding these operating expenses.
- Related terms
- chop down, chop up, slash, sword of Damocles, take an axe to