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

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

Being in the service industry, you are a Swiss army knife to the people you work for.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2022

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

But any opponent’s scouting report contains a lengthy and intricate account of how to deal with Wilson, the Swiss army knife who is, in some ways, the Capitals’ identity.

From Washington Post • May 9, 2022

It was as if Lola had had a miniature laptop embedded in her body, which could spring out like some hidden tool on a Swiss army knife.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix