English Explanatory Dictionary

twist the knife

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To deliberately do or say something to worsen a difficult situation or increase a person's distress, irritation, or anger.

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-twist the knife.wav

Word forms

twist the knife twists the knife twisting the knife twisted the knife turn the knife twist the knife in the wound turn the knife in the wound

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

kick someone when they are down rub salt in the wound

Derived words

knife twister twist of the knife
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