buzz saw

American  

noun

1. a power-operated circular saw, so named because of the noise it makes.

---

buzz saw British  

noun

1. a power-operated circular saw

---

Etymology

Origin of buzz saw

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Also making noise is the coach’s son: Sam Hoiberg, a constant-motion buzz saw who does a little bit of everything and whom Michigan State coach Tom Izzo called his “favorite player.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“A Working Man” opens with a batty pastiche of bullets and buzz saws, parachutes and cranes.

From Los Angeles Times

Until they ran into the Buccaneer buzz saw, the Panthers were playing better.

From Los Angeles Times

But right now, the Chargers might be lashed to a log, helplessly bobbing toward a Buffalo buzz saw.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s been dragged into that buzz saw before.

From New York Times