Put/stick the knife in
verb
To hurt someone's feelings unexpectedly, especially, by being disloyal or treacherous.
After all I've done for her, she really put the knife in by spreading those rumors about me.
Often appears as...
- put the knife in my back
- stick the knife in deeper
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To make a situation worse for someone, especially, by reminding them of their failures or mistakes.
I know I messed up, but you don't have to stick the knife in by mentioning it every chance you get.
Often appears as...
- stick the knife in further
- twist the knife in
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To hurt someone's feelings unexpectedly, especially, by being disloyal or treacherous.
After all I've done for her, she really put the knife in by spreading those rumors about me.
Often appears as...
- put the knife in my back
- stick the knife in deeper
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To make a situation worse for someone, especially, by reminding them of their failures or mistakes.
I know I messed up, but you don't have to stick the knife in by mentioning it every chance you get.
Often appears as...
- stick the knife in further
- twist the knife in
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Charge
Used when feelings are involved; it suggests betrayal has an emotional impact.
She put the knife in by mocking my dreams in front of our friends.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendship's End
Often used when a friend acts disloyally, terminating the trust in a relationship.
He really stuck the knife in when he cheated with my girlfriend.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Hurt
Implies that the hurtful act was surprising and not anticipated.
I never expected her to put the knife in by revealing my secrets.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Charge
Used when feelings are involved; it suggests betrayal has an emotional impact.
She put the knife in by mocking my dreams in front of our friends.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendship's End
Often used when a friend acts disloyally, terminating the trust in a relationship.
He really stuck the knife in when he cheated with my girlfriend.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Hurt
Implies that the hurtful act was surprising and not anticipated.
I never expected her to put the knife in by revealing my secrets.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Charge
Used when feelings are involved; it suggests betrayal has an emotional impact.
She put the knife in by mocking my dreams in front of our friends.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendship's End
Often used when a friend acts disloyally, terminating the trust in a relationship.
He really stuck the knife in when he cheated with my girlfriend.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Hurt
Implies that the hurtful act was surprising and not anticipated.
I never expected her to put the knife in by revealing my secrets.
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