knife edge

noun

1. the cutting edge of a knife.

2. anything very sharp.

3. a wedge on the fine edge of which a scale beam, pendulum, or the like, balances or oscillates.

knife edge

noun

1. the sharp cutting edge of a knife

2. any sharp edge

3. a sharp-edged wedge of hard material on which the beam of a balance pivots or about which a pendulum is suspended

4. a critical point in the development of a situation, process of making a decision, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of knife edge¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

His knife-wielding arm buckled and somehow—it was good luck for Ashton, but bad for Simon!—hooked itself ’round Simon’s neck, with the gleaming knife edge pressed against the young bard’s throat.

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"I had five seizures brought on by extreme stress because I was just living on a knife edge all the time," she added.

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On this ground 20 years ago, another epic series was on a knife edge.

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But South Africa roared back into the contest in the second half of the day as Australia collapsed to 144-8 - a lead of 218 - to leave the match on a knife edge.

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"I've never played a golf course as hard. Every shot is on a knife edge."

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