the knives are out (for someone)
phrase
—used to say that people are ready to blame or punish someone for something often in a way that is unfair
They lost yet another important game, and now the knives are out for their coach.
Cite this Entry
“The knives are out (for someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20knives%20are%20out%20%28for%20someone%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
