twist/turn the knife (in the wound)
phrase
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.
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 5 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
