Turn/twist the knife In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "turn/twist the knife", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Jenne Phuong calendar 2021-09-26 07:09

Meaning of Turn/twist the knife

Turn/twist the knife British informal verb phrase

If you "turn/twist the knife", you purposely make someone's sufferings, grief even worse.

He has just been fired by his boss, and his girlfriend has turned the knife by breaking up with him.

I was given a bad grade and my friends twisted the knife by telling my parents about it.

He is boasting about getting into Yale which will twist the knife if others are rejected.

Grammar and Usage of Turn/twist the knife

Noun Forms

  • to turn/twist the knife
  • turned/twisted the knife
  • turns/twists the knife
  • turning/twisting the knife

The verbs "turn" and "twist" should be conjugated according to their tense. 

Origin of Turn/twist the knife

Derived from the fact that the act of literally twisting a knife that is still inside someone who has just been stabbed will widen the wound and make it even more painful.

The Origin Cited: en.wiktionary.org .
error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst

To keep optimistic or have hope that something positive will occur and simultaneously prepare for a negative outcome

Example:

All I can do is hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode