take a chainsaw to (something)
take a chainsaw to (something)
1. To destroy something completely and mercilessly. He says the aim of his new film is to take a chainsaw to harmful stereotypes about his people. It's like they've taken a chainsaw to everything that made this town special, replacing it all with trendy shops and soulless condominiums.
2. To reduce the size, scope, or power of something immensely. The newly-elected governor vowed to take a chainsaw to the state's budget, which he claims has ballooned out of control. In a drastic attempt to bring in new customers, the bank has begun taking a chainsaw to the various fees and charges that it used to impose on all account holders.
3. To drastically alter or change something. I know my screenplay needs some work, but I don't think I need to take a chainsaw to it!
See also: chainsaw, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- chainsaw
- react to
- react to (someone or something)
- into thin air
- tamper
- tamper with
- tamper with (something)
- leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open to (something)
- leave open
- leave yourself wide open to something