Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - axe

(axes, axing, axed) Note: in AM, use 'ax' 1. An axe is a tool used for cutting wood. It consists of a heavy metal blade which is sharp at one edge and attached by its other edge to the end of a long handle. N-COUNT 2. If someone’s job or something such as a public service or a television programme is axed, it is ended suddenly and without discussion. Community projects are being axed by hard-pressed social services departments. = cut VERB: usu passive, be V-ed 3. If a person or institution is facing the axe, that person is likely to lose their job or that institution is likely to be closed, usually in order to save money. (JOURNALISM) N-SING: the N 4. If someone has an axe to grind, they are doing something for selfish reasons. (INFORMAL) He seems like a decent bloke and I’ve got no axe to grind with him. PHRASE: V inflects c darkgreen]disapproval