give the axe vs split up

give the axe is not a noun while split up is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
give the axe	No	No	Yes	No
split up	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, split up is a hypernym of give the axe; that is, split up is a word with a broader meaning than give the axe:

Other hypernyms of give the axe include break, break up, part, separate, split.

give the axe (noun)	split up (noun)
	an increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity

give the axe (verb)	split up (verb)
terminate a relationship abruptly	become separated into pieces or fragments
terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position	get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage
	discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
	separate into parts or portions