hatchet man

Or hatchet·man

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.

hatchet man

noun

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

2. a hired murderer

3. a severe or malicious critic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchet man¹

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Idioms and Phrases

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.

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]

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

There was hope after he dropped out that Trump might appoint someone more respectable to this important post and one who would be less likely to become his hatchet man.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

This week the New York Times reported on yet another project in the works, this one spearheaded by the odious Stephen Miller and Trump's former bodyman turned hatchet man, John McEntee.

From Salon