knife up
The phrase "knife up" is versatile and can describe various actions, both literal and figurative, involving sharp, upward movements or the use of a knife.
Definition
B2General
To extract a small portion of something using a knife.
Example
- He knifed up a dab of butter and spread it on his toast.
C1Figurative
To penetrate sharply upward or to move in a stabbing manner.
Example
- The airplane knifed up through the clouds.
- The pain knifed up his spine as he tried to stand.
C2General
(dated)To trim the edges of a boot or shoe with a knife.
B2Knife Carry
(technical)To carry a folding knife with the tip of the blade facing upwards when closed.
Example
- He prefers to knife up for quicker access during outdoor activities.
C1Figurative
To rise or move suddenly and sharply.
Example
- She knifed up from her chair when she heard the news.
B2General
To cut or carve with a knife.
Example
- She knifed up the vegetables for the stew.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "knife up":
knife restknife fightknuckle upstick upgun upfight upkick upkey upstiff upnut uphead upcorner upchisel upcatch a falling knifepen uphem upwindow upknock upjerk upbutt uptool upwedge upfall uplift upcut upone upjump uphands up