hatchet man

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ever the hatchet man, Harris would attempt to do the same to Gray’s left-wing colleague Terry Cooper in the second half but succeeded only in tearing right through his shorts.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2024

In “Warrior,” which begins airing June 29 on Max, Koji plays a Chinese immigrant whose search for his sister forces him into the role of hatchet man for a gang.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2023

During his eight years as vice president, Nixon was seen as a hatchet man with real-world toughness who went to town on the Republican Party's opponents — even though he had no real power.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2021

Mondale responded: “I think Senator Dole has richly earned his reputation as a hatchet man tonight.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 5, 2021

The fence said Dad had run him out, but I think the real reason was he had done his job for the steel company as the designated hatchet man.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam