Synonyms for ax

hatchet, adz, mattock, tomahawk, battle-ax, poleax, pickax, cleaver, broadax, hand ax, single-bitted ax, double-bitted ax.

be fired, be dismissed, be discharged, be dropped from the payroll, be let go, get the boot*, get the sack*.

have an ulterior motive, have a hidden agenda, have one's own agenda, have one's own ends to promote.