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Noun
As a result of Elon Musk’s relentless scythe, the Department of Government Efficiency, the big layoffs are in and around Washington.—Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 13 Mar. 2025 Liam grabbed a nearby scythe and was going in for the kill, when Nyla and Angela showed up to save the day, cuff Liam and haul him away.—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
The other, the furor over Elon Musk’s role in trying to scythe down the size of the federal government, has more in common with the reality TV-style drama that always surrounds Trump.—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 25 Feb. 2025 Forest have rarely been opened up throughout their magnificent season, yet Newcastle scythed through the visitors at ease.—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scythe
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English sithe, from Old English sīthe; akin to Old English sagu saw — more at saw
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
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