knifepoint

at gunpoint

1. Literally, in a position of having a gun pointed at one, as in an armed robbery. The robber held the security guard at gunpoint.
2. By extension, in a position of being held under extreme pressure or aggressively coerced. Don't try to hold me at gunpoint—I'll make a decision when I'm good and ready!

at knifepoint

In a position of having a knife pointed at one, as in an armed robbery. The robber held the security guard at knifepoint.
See also: knifepoint

knifepoint

The sharp end of a knife, which can be pointed at someone to subdue them. The robber held the security guard at knifepoint.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at gunpoint

Also, at knifepoint. Under coercion, as in I'm going to hold him at gunpoint for that raise he promised me last year. Both these phrases were at first used literally and later also figuratively. [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at ˈknifepoint

while being threatened, or threatening somebody, with a knife: She was attacked at knifepoint.
See also: knifepoint
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at gunpoint

Under or as if under the threat of being shot.

at knifepoint

Under threat of being stabbed or cut with a knife: was mugged at knifepoint.
See also: knifepoint
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • at gunpoint
  • at knifepoint
  • stare down the barrel of a/(one's) gun
  • break away
  • assail with
  • literally
  • be scratching (one's) head
  • be scratching your head
  • break loose
References in periodicals archive
The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the defendant of sexually abusing and molesting his friend at knifepoint although he pleaded not guilty.
Employee jailed for sexually abusing best friend
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 26 ( ANI ): A woman has been allegedly raped at a knifepoint in a moving train in Madhya Pradesh.
MP: Woman raped at knifepoint in moving train
Fifteen minutes later, the Dari Mart on Monroe Street, less than 3 miles away, was also robbed at knifepoint. Owens allegedly took cash and fled the scene.
Suspect charged in two store robberies
He broke into two houses in Plains, Lanarkshire, and forced a couple to hand over car keys at knifepoint.
FREED KILLER JAILED AFTER CRIME SPREE
Prosecutors charged the 24-year-old suspect with posing as a policeman, molesting and raping a woman at knifepoint and stealing her cash and mobile.
Man falls to his death, another gets arrested for rape in flat
The court heard the supervisor was taken at knifepoint to the till, which she was ordered to open.
Armed thief chased down by members of the public
when the suspects forced her into their car at knifepoint.
3 UPLB guards held for drugs, rape of 2 women
The High Criminal Court yesterday convicted the 25-year-old of theft and assault for the second raid, in which he tied up a female colleague at knifepoint and stole a further BD3,200.
Robber jailed 10 years for second raid
She told me that a man barged into her room and raped her at knifepoint."
Man jailed for knifepoint rape of friend's girlfriend
He then took the victim inside her house at knifepoint and raped her.
North- East Delhi rocked by double rape horror
A 24-year-old man was threatened at knifepoint and forced to hand over his wallet after two men led him from the Bigg Market, in Newcastle, to Pudding Chare at around 12.30am on Friday, August 22.
Did you see pair robbing victim?
A Pennsylvania man wasn't able to protect his protection after two armed men robbed him of a condom at knifepoint in Erie.
Pennsylvania Condom Robbery: Erie Man Can't Protect His Protection From Knife-Wielding Suspects
It comes after a 44-year-old woman was held for several hours at knifepoint and raped in woodland while jogging with her pet dog in Handbridge, Cheshire last week.
Bike like this linked to rape horror
Summary: Joey Essex has lifted the lid on his recent knifepoint robbery, after being held up on Tuesday as he paid for parking in Hammersmith.
Joey Essex speaks about knife robbery
A TEENAGER accused of kidnapping his girlfriend at knifepoint told a jury they parted amicably.
Teenager denies kidnap at knifepoint