knife up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Also seen as: knive up
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To trim the edges on a boot or shoe of bits of leather, etc. that may be attached to the sides.
Register: dated
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
For instance, does he suppose that the edges of samples are set only twice, the same as on regular goods, or that they are not knifed up here and there by the foreman of the making room, or that the bottom finish is not given more attention than the stock shoes?
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 trim with a knife.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To extract a morsel or dab (of something) with a knife.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “knife up” mean?
To trim the edges on a boot or shoe of bits of leather, etc. that may be attached to the sides.
Is “knife up” formal or informal?
knife up is generally dated.