IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishgo under the knife
Meaning: To have a surgical operation.
Example: “The striker will go under the knife next week to repair his knee.”
Origin: The surgeon's knife stands for surgery itself. The phrase is recorded from the late 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Swedish: under kniven Literally: Under the knife
French: Passer sur le billard Literally: To go onto the billiard table
More English idioms
- take someone down a peg To make an arrogant person more humble.
- go to Canossa To humble oneself and submit to an opponent.
- a captain of industry A powerful business leader who runs a major company.
- a day late and a dollar short Too late and not enough to be useful.
- a whipping boy Someone who is blamed or punished for the faults of others.
- the life of the party A lively, fun person who makes a gathering enjoyable.
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