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.
予算に大鉈を振るう必要があると大臣は述べた。
The minister said it is necessary to make drastic cuts to the budget.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Kana spelling of 鉈, used when the kanji is uncommon or for readability.
From 大鉈 (large hatchet) + を + 振るう (to wield). The figurative meaning of making drastic cuts derives from the image of swinging a large blade.