Definition of "hatchet job" [hatchet job]

• Slang A crude or ruthless effort usually ending in destruction: did a hatchet job on the mayor's reputation. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.