on the chopping block

: to cut into or sever usually by repeated blows of a sharp instrument

: to cut into pieces

: to weed and thin out (young cotton)

: a forceful usually slanting blow with or as if with an ax or cleaver

: a sharp downward blow or stroke

: a small cut of meat often including part of a rib — see lamb illustration

: to change direction

: to veer with or as if with wind

: a seal or official stamp or its impression

: a license validated by a seal

: a mark on goods or coins to indicate nature or quality

: a compact usually solid piece of substantial material especially when worked or altered to serve a particular purpose : such as

: the piece of wood on which the neck of a person condemned to be beheaded is laid for execution

: a mold or form on which articles are shaped or displayed

: to make unsuitable for passage or progress by obstruction

: blockade

: to hinder the passage, progress, or accomplishment of by or as if by interposing an obstruction