[Idiom] TWIST THE KNIFE. - Learn How Intensifying a Problem Affects Outcomes
Twist the knife.
/twɪst ðə naɪf/
To make a bad situation worse.
The phrase "Twist the knife" vividly describes the act of making a situation more painful or more difficult, much like twisting a knife after it has been stabbed into someone. It's often used when someone adds to the distress or pain of another person, already in a dire state, either through words or actions.
Example Sentences
After losing the game, his comments just twisted the knife even more.
This illustrates how negative remarks after a loss can exacerbate the sense of defeat.
She knew I was upset, and her sarcastic remark really twisted the knife.
It points out how a sarcastic comment worsened the hurt feelings of an already upset person.
When he brought up her past mistakes during the argument, it was like he was twisting the knife.
It reveals that mentioning past errors during a dispute can deepen the hurt and fuel the conflict.