1. Figurative: This meaning implies intense competition, hostility, or a lack of trust. It suggests that people are ready to attack each other, like in a fight where everyone has a knife.
* Example: "The board meeting was a real knives-out affair, with everyone trying to undermine each other."
2. More specific: It can refer to a specific event or situation where people are deliberately trying to hurt or discredit someone. This is often used in reference to a situation where people are being deliberately malicious, especially within a group or organization.
* Example: "There were knives out for the CEO after the company's recent financial losses."
The specific meaning of "knives out" will depend on the context in which it is used.
Origin: The phrase is likely derived from the literal act of using knives in a fight, implying a dangerous and aggressive situation. It first appeared in the early 20th century, and its popularity has increased in recent years due to the popular mystery movie franchise "Knives Out".