knifeˈ-edge noun

1. The cutting edge of a knife
2. A sharp-edged ridge
3. A sharp piece of steel serving as the axis of a balance, etc (also figurative, esp as adj or in phrase on a knife-edge critically poised, in the balance)

knifeˈ-grinder noun

Someone who grinds or sharpens knives

knifeˈ-man noun

A man wielding or using a knife

knifeˈ-money noun

A knife-shaped bronze currency formerly used in China

knife pleat noun

A narrow, flat pleat

knifeˈ-point noun

The sharp tip of a knife (at knife-point under threat of injury by a knife)

knifeˈ-rest noun

A support for a carving knife or fork

knifeˈ-switch noun

A switch in an electric circuit, in which the moving element consists of a flat blade that engages with fixed contacts

at it like knives

Continuously and eagerly occupied with it

have one's knife in

1. To bear a grudge against
2. To be persistently hostile or vindictive towards

the knives are out for

People are out to get (someone)

twist the knife (in the wound)

To increase someone's distress or embarrassment, eg by making constant reminders of the circumstances that caused it

under the knife

Undergoing a surgical operation

war to the knife

Unrelenting conflict