on the chopping block

phrase

informal
: likely to be fired, removed, or eliminated, etc.
There were several government programs on the chopping block.

Examples of on the chopping block in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also on the chopping block is a 2022 license agreement with ICE for the use of a firing range at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, according to a board letter. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Now, those extensions could end up on the chopping block, Burak said, as states seek ways to manage Medicaid losses. Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026 Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos said 40 frontline positions are on the chopping block including firefighters, police officers, community service officers and city planners. Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 Funding for arts and libraries are among those potentially on the chopping block. Jack Fink, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the chopping block

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the chopping block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20chopping%20block. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster