Knife Meaning
Knife Definition & Usage
A tool with a sharp blade, used for cutting or stabbing.
Examples
- "She grabbed the knife from the drawer and began chopping vegetables."
- "He used a sharp knife to carve the turkey for dinner."
- "The chef skillfully wielded the knife, slicing the fish into perfect fillets."
- "Be careful with that knife; it's very sharp."
- "The young boy accidentally cut his finger while using a butter knife."
A weapon with a pointed, usually sharp blade, designed to cut, stab, or slash.
Examples
- "The soldier carried a combat knife as part of his gear."
- "In ancient times, knives were often used in hand-to-hand combat."
- "He reached for the knife on the table in a moment of desperation."
- "The thief threatened him with a knife during the robbery."
- "During the interrogation, the suspect was found to be carrying a concealed knife."
A symbol of betrayal or treachery, often used in phrases such as 'stabbed in the back.'
Examples
- "He felt like the knife had been twisted when his closest friend betrayed him."
- "The politician's knife in the back maneuver cost him his reputation."
- "Her words were a knife to the heart, leaving him speechless."
- "They accused him of using a knife in the back strategy to undermine the team leader."
- "The betrayal hit him like a knife, but he promised to move on."
Cultural Context
The knife is one of the oldest tools in human history, with its use dating back to prehistoric times. Early knives were made from stone, bone, or metal, and their primary function was for cutting and hunting. Over time, knives evolved into various forms, from weapons used in combat to specialized tools for cooking, survival, and self-defense. The knife holds symbolic importance in many cultures, often associated with danger or treachery (as in 'a knife in the back'). The metaphorical use of 'knife' in expressions reflects its association with harm and betrayal.
The Knife's Edge
Story
The Knife's Edge
Samantha had always loved her grandmother's kitchen. The warmth, the scent of garlic and herbs, and the gleam of the well-used knives on the cutting board. It was in this kitchen that she learned the art of cooking. Every tool had its place, and the knives were the crown jewels of the room. One day, as she prepared dinner for her family, she noticed a small kitchen knife was missing. It was her favorite one, the one with the wooden handle that felt just right in her grip. Panic set in, and she searched through the drawers and cabinets, but there was no sign of it. Later that evening, she discovered that her older brother, Kyle, had borrowed it without asking. He had been working on a sculpture project for his art class and needed a sharp knife for precision work. "I didn’t think you’d mind," he said sheepishly, holding up the knife, now covered in clay and paint. While Samantha was initially annoyed, she realized that her brother hadn’t meant any harm. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. As they sat down to eat, she couldn’t help but remember how, just weeks earlier, Kyle had let her down in a much more significant way. He had promised to help her with a community project and then abandoned her at the last minute. It felt like he had driven a metaphorical knife into her trust. As she cut through the roast, the sharp knife felt symbolic of more than just cooking—it was a tool of power, precision, and sometimes, pain. Kyle’s apology was sincere, but the damage was done. She realized that trust, much like the blade of a knife, could cut deep and take time to heal. The evening ended quietly, but Samantha couldn’t help but wonder how to balance the knife's sharp edge—whether in the kitchen or in relationships.
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