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.

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Etymology

Origin of chopping block

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

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

Oil companies tend to book impairments ahead of sales, which suggests that BP may put more assets on the chopping block, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal