I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : cleaver 1a
2. : a harsh or violent attack on a problem ; especially : a rough slashing reduction of an appropriation or budget
your advertising policy and budget get the meat-ax — Derek Brooks
II. transitive verb
: to assail murderously : chop down : destroy , devastate
the House has meat-axed the mutual security bill — New York Times