English

Noun

hatchet job ‎(plural hatchet jobs)

1. (idiomatic) A journalistic or other treatment which portrays its subject in a very unfavorable manner; a work of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.

   Many Republicans say that the book State of Denial by Bob Woodward is nothing more than an election year hatchet job.

2. (idiomatic) An action or a program which imposes deep reductions in expenditure.

   This so-called reform of our wage agreement was really just one big hatchet job!

Synonyms

• (very unfavorable treatment): slam piece, hit piece, traducement, calumny, calumniation, obloquy, defamation

Related terms

• hatchet man