knife up
C1 slang separable both
In simple words
To attack someone with a knife, or to get knives ready.
Literal meaning: To take up a knife or to use it on someone.
Meanings
1 C1 slang
To stab or attack someone with a knife.
"The report said the victim had been knifed up during the altercation outside the club."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
slang
To prepare or arm oneself with knives, especially before a confrontation.
"The gang was reportedly knifed up before the confrontation."
Usage notes
Very informal and rarely used. 'Knife up' in the sense of attacking is found in crime reporting slang and street vernacular. In a culinary context, 'knife up' can mean to pick up or prepare one's knives. Context is essential.
Commonly used with
victim attacker gang street chef station
Forms
Base
knife up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knifes up
he/she/it
Past simple
knifed up
yesterday
Past participle
knifed up
have + pp
-ing form
knifing up
continuous
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Synonyms
stab slash attack with a knife knife
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