(literary) axes and halberds; ancient weapons or tools used for chopping or execution

(idiom) to die by the battle-ax; to be executed by the state

not trying to avoid the battle-ax; not afraid of dying in combat or being executed

knife, saw, ax, and hatchet; (idiom) to face torture or the executioner's tools

battle-ax and boiling cauldron; refers to two types of cruel capital punishment in ancient China, involving beheading with a large ax or being boiled alive

White banner and golden battle-ax; metaphorically refers to launching a military expedition or going on a campaign (based on the equipment held by King Wu of Zhou during the Battle of Muye)

to hold a large axe used in ancient warfare or ceremonies

(bound form) a battle-ax and tally used in ancient China as a symbol of a military commander's power and authority granted by the emperor