twist/turn the knife (in the wound)
idiom
informal
: to say or do things that cause more pain to someone who is already suffering
Any more cuts in government aid to these poor people will be twisting the knife in the wound.
Examples of twist/turn the knife (in the wound) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Republicans, eager to twist the knife into Biden and the Democrats, will probably embrace Netanyahu and his defiant position on the war.
—
Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
Never one to pass up on an opportunity to twist the knife further, Hayama calls Sato a coward in front of everyone and demands Kaito, in particular, agree with him.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024
This series focuses on Ray’s victims in the lead-up to his conviction, allowing viewers to see the way charismatic people can twist the knife and turn someone’s life sideways, whether in a convention center with 2000 people or a small residence in a university.
—Eric Farwell, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2023
Gently twist the knife to slowly pry the shell open.
—Odette Williams, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2023
Kingfisher is not afraid to twist the knife, showing the sacrifices Toadling has made and the ill treatment she’s suffered, but the story keeps coming back to kindness — which could be the best possible antidote to dystopia.
—Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
Stick your knife gently into the gap and, holding the coconut over the bowl, twist the knife to open the shell and empty out the coconut water.
—Farokh Talati, Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2023
To twist the knife into the Commanders’ wounds, Rivera may not have been fully aware of what was at stake in starting Wentz.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2023
To twist the knife further, this also happens to be the 19th track on the album.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 21 Oct. 2022
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
Never one to pass up on an opportunity to twist the knife further, Hayama calls Sato a coward in front of everyone and demands Kaito, in particular, agree with him.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024
This series focuses on Ray’s victims in the lead-up to his conviction, allowing viewers to see the way charismatic people can twist the knife and turn someone’s life sideways, whether in a convention center with 2000 people or a small residence in a university.
—Eric Farwell, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2023
Gently twist the knife to slowly pry the shell open.
—Odette Williams, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2023
Kingfisher is not afraid to twist the knife, showing the sacrifices Toadling has made and the ill treatment she’s suffered, but the story keeps coming back to kindness — which could be the best possible antidote to dystopia.
—Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
Stick your knife gently into the gap and, holding the coconut over the bowl, twist the knife to open the shell and empty out the coconut water.
—Farokh Talati, Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2023
To twist the knife into the Commanders’ wounds, Rivera may not have been fully aware of what was at stake in starting Wentz.
—Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2023
To twist the knife further, this also happens to be the 19th track on the album.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 21 Oct. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near twist/turn the knife (in the wound)
Cite this Entry
“Twist/turn the knife (in the wound).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twist%2Fturn%20the%20knife%20%28in%20the%20wound%29. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share