Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hatchet-man

noun

/ˈhæʧɪt mæn/

Definition

A person who is hired to carry out unpleasant or ruthless tasks, typically involving the dismissal of employees or the execution of tough business decisions.

Examples

During the corporate restructuring, they appointed a hatchet-man to handle layoffs.
He became known as the hatchet-man of the organization, making difficult choices that others avoided.