1 knife
Pronounced:
/ˈnaɪf/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural knives /ˈnaɪvz/ Meaning:
[count] : a usually sharp blade attached to a handle that is used for cutting or as a weapon ▪ Each dinner guest gets two forks, a knife, and a spoon. ▪ He pulled/drew a knife on me and threatened to stab me with it. —see picture at place setting; see also butter knife, carving knife, palette knife, paring knife, steak knife, utility knife
like a (hot) knife through butter
informal : very quickly and easily ▪ The bill passed through the senate like a hot knife through butter.
the knives are out (for someone)
—used to say that people are ready to blame or punish someone for something often in a way that is unfair ▪ They lost yet another important game, and now the knives are out for their coach.
twist/turn the knife (in the wound)
informal : to say or do things that cause more pain to someone who is already suffering ▪ Any more cuts in government aid to these poor people will be twisting the knife in the wound.
under the knife
informal : having a medical operation ▪ I'm going under the knife [=having surgery] tomorrow.