The term 'USE A HATCHET ON' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'CLEAVE' (6 letters) and 'CHOP' (4 letters). Cleaving is a method of cutting or splitting something with a sharp object, such as an axe or hatchet. It is often used to split wood into smaller pieces. Chopping is a similar action, but it involves using a tool to cut something into smaller pieces. Both cleaving and chopping are common uses for a hatchet.