Given the Heave-Ho' Given the Heave-Ho is a phrase that means to be fired or dismissed from a job. It is usually used in a more informal setting and implies that the person was given no warning or explanation for their dismissal. The term 'AXED' is a 4 letter word that is synonymous with the phrase 'Given the Heave-Ho'. It is often used to describe someone who has been abruptly dismissed from their job without any prior warning.