IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishthe knives are out
Meaning: People are openly hostile and ready to attack someone, usually to bring them down.
Example: “After the poll results, the knives are out for the party leader.”
Origin: A mainly British expression of the mid-20th century, often used of politics; the image is of rivals with blades drawn.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Aiguiser ses couteaux Literally: To sharpen one's knives
More English idioms
- cross the Rubicon To take an irreversible step.
- like a bear with a sore head In a very bad, irritable mood.
- dead on one's feet To be utterly exhausted.
- fall flat on one's face To fail completely and embarrassingly.
- burst someone's bubble To destroy someone's illusion or happy belief.
- prick up one's ears To suddenly start listening closely.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- حمار (ḥimār) A stubborn fool — the donkey being the universal symbol of obstinacy in Arabic culture.
- Je bent een kanjer You're a star — a champ and a wonderful person.
- Золотые руки (Zolotye ruki) You're wonderfully skilled with your hands — a true master at making and fixing things.
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