Swiss army knife

American  

noun

1. a small knife with blades and other tools, such as a nail file and corkscrew, all folding into the handle.

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Etymology

Origin of Swiss army knife

< Swiss Army, a trademark

Example Sentences

“Kevin is extraordinary. He’s been like a Swiss army knife at Duquesne. He runs our private equity, he helps with economic forecasts. He handles the networking outside the firm.”

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Concerning these applications, Vahala says "a comb is like a Swiss army knife for optics. It has many different functions, and that's why it's such a powerful tool."

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

In kishk, it leisurely ferments with yogurt, becoming what Reem Assil calls, in her cookbook "Arabiyya," "the Swiss army knife of preserved Arab foods."

From Salon • May 17, 2022

“J.D.’s kind of a Swiss army knife for us,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said after the win over the Seahawks.

From Washington Post • Dec. 3, 2021

I pulled my Swiss army knife out of my pocket and must have opened and closed it a hundred times.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings