knife-edges
|knife-ed-ges|
/ˈnaɪfˌɛdʒɪz/
(knife-edge)
narrow sharp edge; precarious point
Etymology
'knife-edge' originates from English as a compound of 'knife' and 'edge'; 'knife' comes from Old English 'cnif' meaning 'knife', and 'edge' comes from Old English 'ecg' meaning 'edge' or 'rim'.
'knife' developed from Old English 'cnif' (from Proto-Germanic roots) and 'edge' from Old English 'ecg'; these elements were combined in Middle to Modern English to form the compound 'knife-edge'.
Initially it meant 'the edge of a knife' (a literal blade edge); over time it acquired additional senses such as 'a narrow sharp ridge' and the figurative sense 'a precarious or finely balanced situation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the sharp cutting edge of a knife or similar blade (literal).
The knife-edges of the kitchen knives were honed to a mirror finish.
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Noun 2
a very narrow, sharp ridge (as on a mountain) that is difficult or dangerous to traverse.
The climbers carefully crossed several knife-edges on their way to the summit.
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Noun 3
a precarious or finely balanced situation; a critical point where a small change can have large effects (figurative).
After the scandal, public opinion was on knife-edges and the government's future was uncertain.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 10:13