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Phrase(s): cut the deadwood out
1. Lit. to prune away and remove the dead branches from a tree or bush. • They cut a lot of the deadwood out to save the tree. • You have to cut out the deadwood to make room for new growth. 2. Fig. to remove unproductive persons from employment. • This company would be more profitable if management would cut out the deadwood. • When we cut the deadwood out, all our departments will run more smoothly.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs