Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the knives are out

idiom

/ðə naɪvz ɑr aʊt/

Definition

An expression indicating that someone or a group is ready to criticize, attack, or compete with someone else, often in a hostile or aggressive manner.

Examples

When the project failed, the knives were out, and everyone started blaming each other.
During the debate, it was clear that the knives were out as the candidates attacked each other’s policies.
As soon as the boss announced layoffs, you could feel that the knives were out among the employees.

Meaning

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where individuals are openly displaying hostility or undermining each other, usually in a competitive or confrontational context.