Meaning of chopping block | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A thick wooden slab used as a cutting surface for preparing food, splitting firewood or kindling, etc.
2. A block of wood against which a condemned person put their head prior to beheading.
   historical, informal
3. A dangerous or precarious situation.
   broadly
4. The threat of an impending budget cut.
   broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonyms: butcher block, butcher's block”

“Jim really put his head on the chopping block when he started flirting with the boss's daughter.”

“Our team might be on the chopping block — the company seems to be finding excuses to avoid funding these operating expenses.”

CEFR level