under the knife

Idioms  

1. Undergoing surgery, as in He was awake the entire time he was under the knife. The phrase is often put as go under the knife meaning “be operated on,” as in When do you go under the knife? Knife standing for “surgery” was first recorded in 1880.

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Example Sentences

The case managers said partners pushed surgeries and would give bonuses when clients went under the knife.

From Los Angeles Times

Jackson continued her video by explaining she has no intentions to go under the knife to address the abnormality.

From Los Angeles Times

Gone are the days when facelifts were reserved for the ageing wealthy - now an increasing number of younger people are opting to go under the knife.

From BBC

As he finishes, the client, who has been under the knife for four hours, smiles in relief.

From BBC

Each time you go under the knife you are rolling the dice.

From BBC