The antonyms for the phrase "gives ax" include sustaining, persevering, continuing, and preserving. While "gives ax" implies ending or dismissing something or someone, the antonyms suggest the opposite by advocating for perseverance, preservation, and continuation. Sustaining means keeping things running, supporting someone or something to ensure its survival. Persevering suggests endurance through hardship or difficult circumstances, while continuing indicates maintaining or extending something. Preserving, on the other hand, means retaining or protecting something from harm or damage. Despite their opposing meanings, these antonyms provide alternative actions that help individuals avoid ending things abruptly, but rather support their survival, growth, and progress.