cut the deadwood out

1. Lit. to prune away and remove the dead branches from a tree or bush. They cut a lot of the deadwood out to save the tree. You have to cut out the deadwood to make room for new growth.

2. Fig. to remove unproductive persons from employment. This company would be more profitable if management would cut out the deadwood. When we cut the deadwood out, all our departments will run more smoothly.