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Synonyms

chopping block

American  

noun

  1. 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.

See Examples For:

"Those who remain know that one day they will be on the chopping block," says Prefontaine.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2026

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

Don’t miss: Middle managers are on the chopping block thanks to AI in the workplace.

From MarketWatch May 7, 2026

Even recent winners like memory makers were on the chopping block.

From Barron's Mar. 30, 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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