paper-knife
Definition
Noun: - A "paper-knife" is a knife with a blunt blade, used primarily for opening envelopes or cutting the pages of books that have not been cut open.
Usage Examples
- (A blunt blade for opening mail.)
- (A decorative tool for cutting paper.)
Advanced Usage
"to wield a paper-knife": to use a paper-knife in a skilled or deliberate manner.
- She wielded the paper-knife with precision, cutting each page neatly. (She used the tool carefully.)
"paper-knife as a desk accessory": often kept on a desk for practical or decorative purposes.
- The paper-knife sat in a leather holder on the executive's desk. (A functional and ornamental item.)
Variants and Related Words
- Paper knife (n): an alternative spelling, often used interchangeably.
- He bought a silver paper knife as a gift. (A knife for cutting paper.)
- Letter opener (n): a similar tool, specifically for opening envelopes, often with a sharper edge.
- She used a letter opener instead of a paper-knife. (A related but distinct tool.)
Synonyms
- Letter opener: a tool for opening envelopes.
- Page cutter: a device for cutting uncut book pages.
Phrasal Verbs
- Cut open (with a paper-knife): to open something by using a paper-knife.
- He cut open the package with a paper-knife. (He slit the package open.)
Related Idioms
- "To have a paper-knife tongue": not a standard idiom, but a metaphorical phrase meaning to speak sharply or cut through words.
- Her reply was as sharp as a paper-knife. (Her words were cutting.)
Notes on Usage
- "Paper-knife" is an older, somewhat formal term; in modern usage, "letter opener" is more common for opening envelopes, while "paper-knife" is often associated with books or antique stationery. The blade is typically blunt to avoid damaging the contents.