首くびをはねる

expression, ichidan verb

behead; decapitate

Literal or figurative expression for cutting off someone's head. Can be used in historical, dramatic, or metaphorical contexts (e.g., dismissing someone from a position).

• 昔むかし、罪ざい人にんは首くびをはねられた。

  In the old days, criminals were beheaded.

• 失しっ敗ぱいした責せき任にんを取とって、部ぶ長ちょうが首くびをはねられた。

  Taking responsibility for the failure, the department head was fired (lit. beheaded).