chopping block

Noun

chopping block (plural chopping blocks)

1. A thick wooden slab used as a cutting surface for preparing food, splitting firewood or kindling, etc.
   • Near-synonyms: butcher block, butcher's block

   Synonyms:

   butcher block, butcher's block

2. (historical, informal) A block of wood against which a condemned person put their head prior to beheading.
3. (broadly) A dangerous or precarious situation.
   • Jim really put his head on the chopping block when he started flirting with the boss's daughter.
   1. (broadly) The threat of an impending budget cut.
      • Our team might be on the chopping block — the company seems to be finding excuses to avoid funding these operating expenses.