in the case of skynet, I think that "testing it's metal" is an acceptable pun.

"Remember, 'Fist' is also a verb."

Exactly "Out of respect for him and his talent, we thought it would be best to let him explore opportunities elsewhere." letting someone explore opportunities elsewhere means you fired his arse and are too polite to say so. People never get shitcanned or sacked any more. they always get told that their skills were "surplus to requirements"