Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

under-the-knife

idiom

/ˈʌndər ðə naɪf/

Definition

A phrase used to describe a person undergoing surgery or a medical procedure.

Examples

After months of rehabilitation, he finally had to go under the knife to fix his knee injury.
She was nervous about going under the knife for her surgery next week.
Many athletes undergo the knife to repair damaged ligaments.

Meaning

The expression ‘under the knife’ signifies being in a situation where surgical intervention is taking place, often implying the seriousness of the procedure.