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 late Rik Mayall's Peeves also met the chopping block. —Tristan Balagtas, PEOPLE.com, 16 Nov. 2021

This meant that any moment that drew its power from interactivity went on the chopping block—even parts of the game’s memorable opening scene. —Will Bedingfield, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2023

But it’s been on the White House Budget Proposal chopping block for a few years running, only to see Congress restore its funding each time. —Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2019

Eventually, Adriane reaches the chopping block, and despite making a last-minute plea involving her young son, her captives still declined to make the impossible choice. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1