HATCHET Meaning and
Definition
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A hatchet is a small, short-handled ax that is specifically designed for single-handed use. Traditionally, its head is shaped like a broad, flat blade, with a sharp cutting edge on one side and a blunt hammerhead on the other. The handle of a hatchet is typically made of wood, providing a comfortable grip and allowing for controlled swings and precise strikes.
This versatile tool is primarily utilized for chopping, cutting, and shaping wood, making it an essential resource for various outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and survival situations. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to carry and wield, making it suitable for tasks that require mobility and agility.
From a historical perspective, the hatchet has served as an important tool for early humans, used for clearing paths through forests, constructing shelters, and creating fires. In contemporary times, hatchets maintain their practicality and are often employed for splitting firewood, carving wooden objects, or building small structures.
Beyond its functional applications, the term "hatchet" can also take on a figurative meaning. It may refer to a sudden, brutal severance or disconnection, as in "to bury the hatchet" – signifying the resolution of a conflict or the act of forgiving and forgetting. Additionally, the term "hatchet job" can be used to describe a strongly critical or spiteful piece of writing or criticism.
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A small sharp axe with a short handle: to take up the hatchet, to make war: to bury the hatchet, to make peace.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HATCHET *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HATCHET
Etymology of HATCHET
The word hatchet has its origins in Middle English. It came from the Old French word hachete, which in turn derived from the Old High German word hackissa. The Old High German term was derived from hackón, meaning to cut. Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *hakam, with similar meanings of hew or cut.
Idioms with the word HATCHET
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bury the hatchet
To "bury the hatchet" means to make peace with someone, to resolve a conflict or grudge, and to put aside past disputes or disagreements. It often implies a willingness to forgive and forget past grievances in order to move forward in a more positive and cooperative manner.
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a hatchet man
A hatchet man is a person who is hired or appointed to carry out difficult, unpleasant, or controversial tasks, particularly those involving the removal or elimination of obstacles, opponents, or opposition. The term often implies an individual who acts ruthlessly or without mercy to achieve a specific objective, often disregarding the potential negative consequences of their actions.
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a hatchet job
The idiom "a hatchet job" refers to a critical or exaggeratedly negative act of public criticism or character assassination, particularly through the media or other public platforms. It involves intentionally damaging or unfair treatment of someone's reputation or work, often with the aim of complete destruction or severe harm.
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hatchet man
The idiom "hatchet man" refers to a person who is assigned to perform ruthless or aggressive actions on behalf of someone else, often involving terminating employees, executing unpopular decisions, or carrying out destructive tasks. This term typically implies that the individual is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the desired outcome, even if it means causing harm or damage.
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send the helve after the hatchet
The idiom "send the helve after the hatchet" is an old, archaic phrase that means to pursue a lost cause or to attempt to remedy a situation that is already beyond repair. "Helve" refers to the handle of a tool, such as an axe, while "hatchet" refers to the actual cutting blade. Essentially, the phrase implies a futile effort to recover something that is already irretrievable or to fix a problem that is unfixable.
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do a hatchet job on
The idiom "do a hatchet job on" refers to the act of intentionally criticizing, damaging, or destroying someone's reputation, character, or work. It implies carrying out a severe or malicious attack on someone or something, often with the intent to cause harm or ruin. The phrase is often used to describe a harsh and unfair critique or an aggressive and destructive action taken against someone or something.
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hang up (one's) hatchet
The idiom "hang up (one's) hatchet" means to stop being hostile or cease a conflict with someone. It refers to putting aside differences, grudges, or hostilities and choosing to have peace or reconciliation.
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hatchet job
The idiom "hatchet job" refers to a harsh and unfair criticism or attack on someone's reputation or work, often carried out with the intention of causing harm or damage. It typically involves exaggerated or false claims, personal attacks, and an overall attempt to discredit or undermine the individual or their achievements.
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take up the hatchet
The idiom "take up the hatchet" means to become hostile or aggressive, usually in pursuit of vengeance or conflict resolution. It refers to an individual or group making a deliberate decision to engage in a fight or initiate a confrontation. The term "hatchet" symbolizes a weapon used for combat or warfare, highlighting a readiness to confront or retaliate against someone or something.
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do a hatchet job on (someone or something)
The idiom "do a hatchet job on (someone or something)" refers to performing a fierce, severe, or ruthless criticism or attack, typically through the media, with the intention of severely damaging or destroying someone's reputation, credibility, or a particular thing. It often involves intense scrutiny, negative portrayal, or exaggerated exposure of flaws, faults, or mistakes, resulting in significant harm to the person or entity being targeted.
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give pap with a hatchet
This idiom means to offer criticism or advice in a blunt, harsh, or unkind manner. It implies delivering feedback in a way that is unnecessarily harsh or severe.
Similar spelling words for HATCHET
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