Definition
This idiom describes a situation charged with tension or anger, where an unpleasant event seems imminent.
劍拔弩張，一触即发
You could cut the atmosphere with a knife in the meeting room. The managers were arguing over the recent losses.
会议室里的气氛紧张到可以用刀切开。经理们正在争论最近的损失。
The atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife as the two candidates attacked each other on the debate stage.
辩论台上两位候选人互相攻击，气氛紧张到可以用刀切开。
The atmosphere was so thick you could cut it with a knife among the team before they knew the results.
在知道结果之前，团队之间的气氛紧张到可以用刀切开。