knife edge
Americannoun
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the cutting edge of a knife.
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anything very sharp.
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a wedge on the fine edge of which a scale beam, pendulum, or the like, balances or oscillates.
noun
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the sharp cutting edge of a knife
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any sharp edge
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a sharp-edged wedge of hard material on which the beam of a balance pivots or about which a pendulum is suspended
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a critical point in the development of a situation, process of making a decision, etc
Etymology
Origin of knife edge
First recorded in 1810–20
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nevertheless, investors should watch Bitcoin through the long weekend with the Middle East situation on a knife edge and market-moving news all but inevitable.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
"I think that the future of Jewish people in the UK is on a real knife edge," he says.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
On this ground 20 years ago, another epic series was on a knife edge.
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025
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 • Jun. 12, 2025
Thus the tropical forest, despite its fabulous vitality, exists on a knife edge.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
