Knife Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary knife 15 ENTRIES FOUND:

• knife (noun)
• knife (verb)
• knife–edge (noun)
• butter knife (noun)
• carving knife (noun)
• flick–knife (noun)
• palette knife (noun)
• paper knife (noun)
• paring knife (noun)
• steak knife (noun)
• utility knife (noun)
• butter (noun)
• hot (adjective)
• twist (verb)
• wound (noun)

1 knife /ˈnaɪf/ noun plural knives /ˈnaɪvz/ 1 knife /ˈnaɪf/ noun plural knives /ˈnaɪvz/ Britannica Dictionary definition of KNIFE [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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — 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.

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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.

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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.

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under the knife

informal : having a medical operation

• I'm going under the knife [=having surgery] tomorrow.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 knife /ˈnaɪf/ verb knifes; knifed; knifing 2 knife /ˈnaɪf/ verb knifes; knifed; knifing Britannica Dictionary definition of KNIFE 1 [+ object] : to injure (someone) with a knife

• He died after being knifed in the chest.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [no object] : to move easily and quickly like a knife cutting through something

• ships knifing through the waves

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