a region resting on a knife-edge after several wars
The election results hung on a knife-edge.
living on the knife-edge of poverty
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
knife-edge — n [singular] 1.) a situation in which the result is extremely uncertain on a knife edge ▪ His future in the job is balanced on a knife edge . ▪ a knife edge vote 2.) a situation which makes someone very anxious on a knife edge ▪ Living with him,… … Dictionary of contemporary English
knife-edge — [nīf′ej΄] n. 1. the edge of a knife 2. any very sharp edge 3. a metal wedge whose fine edge serves as the fulcrum for a scale beam, pendulum, etc. * * * knife edge (nīfʹĕj ) n. 1. A sharp cutting edge. 2. A sharp, narrow edge or border: “saying… … Universalium
knife-edge — knife ,edge noun singular 1. ) a situation in which success and failure are equally likely: The battle for control of the party was on a knife edge last night. a ) a situation in which a slight change could have a very dangerous effect: a man on… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
Knife-edge effect — In electromagnetic wave propagation, the knife edge effect or edge diffraction is a redirection by diffraction of a portion of the incident radiation that strikes a well defined obstacle such as a mountain range or the edge of a building. The… … Wikipedia
knife-edge — UK / US noun [singular] 1) a) a situation in which success and failure are equally likely The team s future was on a knife edge last night. b) a situation in which a slight change could have a very dangerous effect a man on the knife edge of self … English dictionary
knife edge — knife′ edge n. 1) the cutting edge of a knife 2) anything with a sharp edge 3) hor a wedge on the fine edge of which a scale beam, pendulum, or the like, balances or oscillates • Etymology: 1810–20 knife′ edged , adj … From formal English to slang
Knife-edge — n. (Mech.) A piece of steel sharpened to an acute edge or angle, and resting on a smooth surface, serving as the axis of motion of a pendulum, scale beam, or other piece required to oscillate with the least possible friction. [1913 Webster] {Kni … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Knife-edge file — Knife edge Knife edge , n. (Mech.) A piece of steel sharpened to an acute edge or angle, and resting on a smooth surface, serving as the axis of motion of a pendulum, scale beam, or other piece required to oscillate with the least possible… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
knife-edge — [nīf′ej΄] n. 1. the edge of a knife 2. any very sharp edge 3. a metal wedge whose fine edge serves as the fulcrum for a scale beam, pendulum, etc … English World dictionary
knife-edge — ► NOUN 1) the cutting edge of a knife. 2) a very tense or dangerous situation. 3) (before another noun ) (of creases or pleats) very fine. 4) a steel wedge on which a pendulum or other device oscillates or is balanced. 5) a narrow, sharp mountain … English terms dictionary
