cut like a knife
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To sting severely, to cause a sensation of stinging, especially said of cold weather.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The bitter wind cut like a knife, freezing my fingers and numbing my circulation.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To be very sharp (of a character, or remark)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cut like a knife” mean?
To sting severely, to cause a sensation of stinging, especially said of cold weather.
Is “cut like a knife” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.