axe

Everyday

1. An axe is a tool with a heavy metal blade on a long handle, used for chopping wood or cutting down trees. tree →
2. (informal) To axe something is to cut it or end it suddenly: the TV show was axed. tree →
3. (informal) To axe workers means to sack them or make them lose their jobs. tree →
4. «Have an axe to grind» means to have a private reason, often a grudge, for doing or saying something. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, stone axes, Viking battle-axes and Iron Age tools appear. In everyday safety: axes are sharp and heavy, only for adults. In news and everyday talk, «axed» means cancelled or cut: «the bus route was axed», «jobs axed». In stories, a woodcutter carries an axe. Phrases: «chop with an axe», «battle-axe», «get the axe», «face the axe», «axe to grind».

Examples

• The woodcutter chopped the log with his axe. tree →
• Vikings fought with axes and shields. tree →
• Stone Age people made axes from flint. tree →
• The swimming club was axed because there was no money. tree →
• Our favourite show got the axe. tree →
• Two hundred jobs were axed at the factory. tree →
• He criticised the plan because he had an axe to grind. tree →

Note

Use «an»: «an axe». UK spelling «axe», US «ax» (both «axes» in the plural). Trap: «axes» is also the plural of «axis» (x-axis and y-axis), but said differently: "AX-eez". «Battle-axe» is also a rude old word for a fierce woman.

In Jewish tradition

In history lessons, stone axes, Viking battle-axes and Iron Age tools appear. In everyday safety: axes are sharp and heavy, only for adults. In news and everyday talk, «axed» means cancelled or cut: «the bus route was axed», «jobs axed». In stories, a woodcutter carries an axe. Phrases: «chop with an axe», «battle-axe», «get the axe», «face the axe», «axe to grind».

Examples

• Should the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? (Prophets ISA.10.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• It seemed as when men wield upwards axes in a thicket of trees. (Writings PSA.74.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he shall set his battering engines against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers. (Prophets EZK.26.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Use «an»: «an axe». UK spelling «axe», US «ax» (both «axes» in the plural). Trap: «axes» is also the plural of «axis» (x-axis and y-axis), but said differently: "AX-eez". «Battle-axe» is also a rude old word for a fierce woman.