hatchet job

noun2

1. •
   A journalistic or other treatment which portrays its subject in a very unfavorable manner; a work of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.

   • That article about the mayor is nothing more than a hatchet job.
2. •
   An action or a program which imposes deep reductions in expenditure.

   • This so-called reform of our wage agreement was really just one big hatchet job!