hatchet job

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈhatch•et ˌjob, n. [countable]

1. a ruthless criticism or verbal attack.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

hatch′et job′, 

1. a maliciously destructive critique or act:
   The special committee has done a hatchet job on the new proposal.
   Also called ax job. 

• 1940–45

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hatchet job noun

1. a malicious or devastating verbal or written attack