knife
A tool with a sharp metal blade and a handle, used to cut things.
A tool consisting of a sharp-edged blade fixed to a handle, used for cutting or slicing.
To cut or hurt someone or something with a knife.
To injure, kill, or damage something by cutting or stabbing it with a knife.
A small weapon with a blade for cutting or stabbing.
A small weapon with a sharp blade and handle, designed or used for stabbing or cutting.
- Base: knife
- Plural: knives
- Base: knife
- 3rd Person Singular: knifes
- Present Participle: knifing
- Past: knifed
bring a knife to a gunfight
1Be unprepared compared to others
To be less prepared or equipped than others in a competition or conflict.
- Going into that debate without facts is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
- They were outclassed, like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
pull a knife on [someone]
1Take out a knife to threaten someone
To take out a knife and point it at someone as a threat.
- The mugger pulled a knife on the man in the alley.
- He pulled a knife on me when I refused to give him money.
under the knife
1Having surgery performed on you
To have an operation in a hospital.
- He's going under the knife tomorrow for heart surgery.
- She went under the knife to repair her knee injury.
twist the knife
1make someone's pain worse
To say or do something that makes someone feel even worse when they are already sad, hurt, or embarrassed.
- He knew she felt bad, but he twisted the knife by reminding her of her past mistakes.
- Losing the game was hard, and the fans booing just twisted the knife.
- You don’t need to twist the knife; she already knows she was wrong.
twist the knife
2Make someone's pain worse on purpose
To make someone feel even worse when they are already sad or hurt.
- She really twisted the knife by reminding him of his failure.
- Don't twist the knife—he's already upset.