knife edge

American  

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.

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knife edge British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of knife edge

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

"I think that the future of Jewish people in the UK is on a real knife edge," he says.

From BBC

"Ultimately the best team generally wins Test matches but this one, it's on a bit more of a knife edge of conditions."

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

Related Words

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