大おお鉈なたを振ふるう

expression, godan verb (-u)

make drastic cuts; take an axe to

Archaic idiomatic expression meaning to slash or cut drastically, as if wielding a large hatchet. Used figuratively for severe reductions or reforms.

• 予よ算さんに大おお鉈なたを振ふるう必ひつ要ようがあると大だい臣じんは述のべた。

  The minister said it is necessary to make drastic cuts to the budget.