chopping block

chopping block (plural chopping blocks)

1. A thick wooden slab used as a cutting surface for preparing food, splitting firewood or kindling, etc.

   Coordinate terms: chopping board, cutting board

   Near-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. (by extension) A dangerous or precarious situation.

   Jim really put his head on the chopping block when he started flirting with the boss's daughter.

   1. 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.