The term 'GIVE THE AX' is a phrase used to describe the act of dismissing someone from their job. The crossword solutions for this phrase are HEW (3 letters), CAN (3 letters), and FIRE (4 letters). HEW is an archaic verb meaning to cut or chop down, CAN is a verb meaning to be able to do something, and FIRE is a verb meaning to dismiss someone from their job. Together, these words form the phrase 'GIVE THE AX', which is used to describe the act of dismissing someone from their job.