"Twisting the knife" is an idiomatic expression that refers to intensifying the pain, discomfort, or distress of an individual by deliberately aggravating or exacerbating a difficult or unpleasant situation. The phrase is derived from the literal act of twisting a knife after stabbing someone, inflicting further injury and causing more pain.
Metaphorically, "twisting the knife" describes someone's actions of deliberately and often maliciously prolonging or amplifying another person's suffering or hardship for personal satisfaction, revenge, or to assert dominance. This can be achieved through words, actions, or decisions that mock, humiliate, or undermine the individual already facing adversity.
The use of this expression often implies an intention to inflict additional emotional, psychological, or physical harm to someone who may already be vulnerable or hurting. It suggests a deliberate act of cruelty, callousness, or sadism. "Twisting the knife" is typically associated with interpersonal relationships, conflicts, or situations where one person takes pleasure in the suffering of another or seeks to further damage their well-being.
Overall, the phrase "twisting the knife" encapsulates the concept of intensifying someone's distress by purposely adding to their pain, leaving them even more wounded, both figuratively and sometimes emotionally or physically.
