Idiom
give someone the ax and give someone the sack
Theme: DISMISSAL - EMPLOYMENT
to fire someone; to terminate someone's employment.I gave Tom the sack, and he has to find a new job.I had to give three people the ax yesterday. We are having to reduce our office staff.
Slang
give someone the ax
Theme: DISMISSAL
tr. to dismiss someone from employment.They had to give Paul the ax because he was so unproductive.I was afraid they would give me the ax.
Theme: DIVORCE
tr. to divorce someone.Mary gave Fred the ax after only six months.She gave him the ax because he wouldn't stop smoking like he promised.