chopping block
Americannoun
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.
At almost every stage of childhood development, he notes, programs aimed at preserving or enhancing children’s health have gone on the chopping block.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026
His remark suggests that the press conference after every meeting—a practice Powell instituted—could be on the chopping block.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
The first head on the chopping block would likely be ex-Leeds United manager Marsch, appointed in May 2024 to lead Canada into their home World Cup.
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
Don’t miss: Middle managers are on the chopping block thanks to AI in the workplace.
From MarketWatch ● May 7, 2026
Once the third aunt who worked at the laundry ran out and bought us bags of candy to hold over our noses; my mother was dismembering skunk on the chopping block.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.