English

Verb

twist the knife ‎(third-person singular simple present twists the knife, present participle twisting the knife, simple past and past participle twisted the knife)

1. (idiomatic) To deliberately do or say something to worsen a difficult situation or increase a person's distress, irritation, or anger.
   • 2009, Lucy Dillon, Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts, Berkley (2011), ISBN 9781101478752, page 198:

     "And I'm not seeing anyone," she added, just to twist the knife — in whom, she wasn't sure.

Synonyms

• kick someone when they are down
• rub salt in the wound