n.
(pl. knives)
a cutting instrument consisting of a blade fixed into a handle.
▸a cutting blade on a machine.
v.
- stab with a knife.
- cut like a knife.
Phrase
- before you can say knife
informal very quickly. - get
(or stick)
the knife into
(or in)
informal be malicious or vindictive towards. - go
(or be)
under the knife
informal have surgery.
Derivative
- knife-like adj.
- knifer n.
Etymology
OE cnīf, from ON knífr, of Gmc origin.