under the knife
1
used when someone is about to undergo a medical operation
The idiom "under the knife" originated from the field of surgery, where the knife represents the surgical instrument used for incisions. It has been used metaphorically since the early 20th century to refer to undergoing a surgical procedure. It is used to describe the act of undergoing a surgical operation or procedure. It implies that someone is undergoing a medical intervention that involves the use of a surgical instrument, such as a scalpel.
- After months of chronic pain, Jake decided to go under the knife and have his knee joint replaced.
- Emily's father went under the knife yesterday for a successful heart surgery.
- The patient consented to be put under the knife to remove the tumor.