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  What it means

  Literally “to put the matter on the edge of a knife.” This idiom describes bringing a situation to a critical, decisive point where an immediate choice or resolution must be made. It suggests that the situation has become so tense that it is balanced on a sharp edge.

  Vocabulary

  • sprawa — matter / case / issue
  • ostrze — edge / blade
  • nóż — knife

  Grammar note

  'Na ostrzu' is the locative singular of 'ostrze'. 'Noża' is the genitive singular of 'nóż' (blade of the knife).

  Cultural context

  This is a high-stakes idiom. It is often used in business negotiations or personal ultimatums where "playing nice" is no longer an option.

  Intermediate

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