Stick the knife in Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To make a bad situation worse for someone, especially by saying or doing something unkind when they are already upset or defeated.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when someone adds insult to injury or makes another person feel worse emotionally. Common with 'really', e.g., 'really stuck the knife in'. Not literally violent; always metaphorical.
Example Sentences
Stop sticking the knife in—he already feels bad about losing.
basic
When she laughed at his mistake, she really stuck the knife in.
basic
There’s no need to stick the knife in after he apologized.
basic
I felt bad enough, but then my brother really stuck the knife in by telling everyone about my mistake.
natural
You don’t have to stick the knife in just because he failed his test again.
natural
After losing the game, hearing the crowd laugh just stuck the knife in even deeper.
natural