GET THE AX

v. phr. , slang 1. To be fired from a job. Poor Joe got the ax at the office yesterday. 2. To be dismissed from school for improper conduct, such as cheating. Joe got caught cheating on his final exam and he got the ax. 3. To have a quarrel with one's sweetheart or steady ending in a termination of the relationship. Joe got the ax from Betsie they won't see each other again.