kukri

A soldier uses a kukri to cut through thick jungle vines.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A curved knife: "kukri" refers to a type of heavy, curved knife or short sword with a distinctive inward-curving blade, traditionally used as a weapon and tool by the Gurkha people of Nepal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Gurkha soldier carried a kukri as part of his standard equipment. (A curved knife used by Nepalese soldiers.)
  • He used the kukri to clear brush while hiking in the jungle. (A heavy, curved blade used as a tool.)

Advanced Usage

• "to draw the kukri": to unsheathe or prepare the knife for use, often implying readiness for action or combat.
  • When the intruder appeared, the guard drew his kukri without hesitation. (He pulled out the curved knife for defense.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kukri-like (adj): resembling a kukri in shape or function.
  • The blade had a kukri-like curve, ideal for chopping. (Similar to the traditional Nepalese knife.)

Synonyms

• Machete: a large, heavy knife used for cutting vegetation (though a kukri is typically shorter and more curved).
• Bolo knife: a Filipino cutting tool similar in use but with a different blade shape.

Related Idioms

• The kukri has been drawn: an idiomatic expression in Gurkha culture meaning that a serious conflict or commitment has begun.
  • Once the kukri has been drawn, there is no turning back from the fight. (A symbolic phrase indicating decisive action.)