chopping block

noun

1

: a wooden block on which material (such as meat, wood, or vegetables) is cut, split, or diced

2

: a situation in which someone or something is threatened with elimination

government programs on the chopping block

Examples of chopping block in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The average age of the nine schools on the chopping block is about 90 years old, and Walters said consolidation is expected to free up money for things like air conditioning, accessibility and infrastructure upgrades, making remaining schools more modern and welcoming. —Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 4 June 2026

The rules existed for a reason Each of the requirements now on the chopping block was built for some layer of investor protections. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 June 2026

The Chicago Sun-Times estimated more than 700 teachers could be on the chopping block. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Historically, when enterprise IT budgets tightened, organizational change management (OCM) was the first line item on the chopping block. —Peter Fitzgibbon, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chopping block

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock