hatchet man

American  

Or hatchetman

noun

1. a professional murderer.

2. a writer or speaker who specializes in defamatory attacks, as on political candidates or public officials.

3. a person whose job it is to execute unpleasant tasks for a superior, as dismissing employees.

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hatchet man British  

noun

1. a person carrying out unpleasant assignments for an employer or superior

2. a hired murderer

3. a severe or malicious critic

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hatchet man Idioms  

1. A person assigned or hired to carry out a disagreeable task or unscrupulous order. For example, When it came to firing an employee, Arthur was his boss's hatchet man . This expression originally referred to a hired assassin but in the mid-1900s was transferred to less nefarious enterprises.

2. A person who attacks the reputation of others, especially a journalist hired to do so, as in You can count on Mary's column to destroy the mayor—she's the perfect hatchet man . This usage gave rise to hatchet job , meaning “harsh destructive criticism.” [Mid-1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of hatchet man

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Example Sentences

But Musk’s behavior resembles that of any corporate hatchet man.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2025

It took Dole years to live down his image as a political hatchet man.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2024

Ever the hatchet man, Harris would attempt to do the same to Gray’s left-wing colleague Terry Cooper in the second half but succeeded only in tearing right through his shorts.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2024

In “Warrior,” which begins airing June 29 on Max, Koji plays a Chinese immigrant whose search for his sister forces him into the role of hatchet man for a gang.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2023

The fence said Dad had run him out, but I think the real reason was he had done his job for the steel company as the designated hatchet man.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam