Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- noun A pocketknife having a spring-operated blade that opens instantly when a release on the handle is pressed.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A folding
knife with a blade which opens automatically (under spring pressure) when a button is pressed.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- noun a pocketknife with a blade that springs open at the press of a button
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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COSTELLO: Yes, the switchblade is another one, the ones that stab you in the back and smile to your face.
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Possession of a switchblade is a felony in Washington.
Armageddon on the Streets Steve Perry 2009
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Mr Chernoff noted that the ruling had "gutted" his strategy but "if we have to a tank battle with a switchblade, that is exactly what we'll do".
Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph Philip Sherwell 2011
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My point is, the change in the definition of a switchblade is a policy change that is happening right now.
BiggerPockets Forums LeeAli 2009
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The operator carefully documents each detail, which included the widely published claim that some sort of lock-back or foldable knife was involved-originally described as a switchblade in the tape. widely reported detail is that the melee is being considered an 'alcohol related incident.'
Right Celebrity 2009
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• TSA confiscates folding car key, calling it a "switchblade" Link
Boing Boing 2007
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I hear Tarbell told the cops the guy had a "switchblade".
PREPOSTEROUS! Nathaniel Livingston 2004
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Brooke describes the knife as a "switchblade" and says that Sheen "has it in his back pocket."
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The problem is not simply that imports will be banned (which is bad enough), but that the "agency determination" will be used by domestic courts and law enforcement to determine what a "switchblade" is under both federal and state laws.
walls of the city 2009
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Unlike "switchblade" type flash drives, there is no swivel or release switch to break or get stuck in the closed position.
NotebookReview.com - The Webs Best Source For Laptop Notebook Info 2008
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