Phrase guide

you could cut the atmosphere with a knife

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Used to describe a situation that is extremely tense, heavy, or full of strong emotion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: you could cut the air with a knife

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Alluding to a figuratively thick atmosphere. Compare French à couper au couteau.