chopping block

noun

1. a thick, often large block of wood on which meat, vegetables, etc., are placed for cutting, trimming, chopping, and the like.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chopping block¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

He rants to his friends about how the government “can’t cancel a show” and wonders what might be next on the chopping block.

From Los Angeles Times

The California Air Resources Board administers its own state-level greenhouse gas reporting program that in some ways exceeds that of the federal program now on the chopping block.

From Los Angeles Times

And it’s not just newspapers being gutted; your favorite late-night talk show is on the chopping block, too.

From Salon

“The whole area is on the chopping block at this point.”

From Los Angeles Times

“You constantly think about the outcome once you call it or once it’s called for you. I could end up on the chopping block, who knows. That was brought to the fore during ‘SNL 50.’

From Los Angeles Times