Near the knuckle
adjective
Something that is a bit offensive or crosses the limits of good taste.
Her joke was a bit near the knuckle, it made some people feel uncomfortable.
Often appears as...
- a bit near the knuckle
- near the knuckle humor
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is dangerously close to a difficult or risky situation.
His move in the game was too near the knuckle for my comfort.
Often appears as...
- too near the knuckle
- play near the knuckle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is a bit offensive or crosses the limits of good taste.
Her joke was a bit near the knuckle, it made some people feel uncomfortable.
Often appears as...
- a bit near the knuckle
- near the knuckle humor
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is dangerously close to a difficult or risky situation.
His move in the game was too near the knuckle for my comfort.
Often appears as...
- too near the knuckle
- play near the knuckle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious when using in diverse settings as it may be seen as culturally insensitive.
I hesitated to tell that near the knuckle joke at the international conference.
Pro Tip 2/3Audience Awareness
Consider your audience; this phrase suits an adult crowd more than a family setting.
The comedian's near the knuckle humor was a hit in the club, but not at the family reunion.
Pro Tip 3/3Tone of Voice
Often delivered with a knowing tone suggesting shared understanding of the edge it skirts.
His near the knuckle comment was said with a wink, making us all laugh.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious when using in diverse settings as it may be seen as culturally insensitive.
I hesitated to tell that near the knuckle joke at the international conference.
Pro Tip 2/3Audience Awareness
Consider your audience; this phrase suits an adult crowd more than a family setting.
The comedian's near the knuckle humor was a hit in the club, but not at the family reunion.
Pro Tip 3/3Tone of Voice
Often delivered with a knowing tone suggesting shared understanding of the edge it skirts.
His near the knuckle comment was said with a wink, making us all laugh.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious when using in diverse settings as it may be seen as culturally insensitive.
I hesitated to tell that near the knuckle joke at the international conference.
Pro Tip 2/3Audience Awareness
Consider your audience; this phrase suits an adult crowd more than a family setting.
The comedian's near the knuckle humor was a hit in the club, but not at the family reunion.
Pro Tip 3/3Tone of Voice
Often delivered with a knowing tone suggesting shared understanding of the edge it skirts.
His near the knuckle comment was said with a wink, making us all laugh.
Never forget "Near the knuckle"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension