Below the belt
adjective
An action that is unfair or unkind, usually when a comment is mean or rude.
Her comment about his family was a bit below the belt.
Often appears as...
- hit below the belt
- punch below the belt
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
adjective
In boxing, any punch that lands below the opponent's waist line.
The referee penalized him for the below the belt punch.
Often appears as...
- punch below the belt
- low blow
Usage tips
Disapproving
Technical
adjective
An action that is unfair or unkind, usually when a comment is mean or rude.
Her comment about his family was a bit below the belt.
Often appears as...
- hit below the belt
- punch below the belt
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
adjective
In boxing, any punch that lands below the opponent's waist line.
The referee penalized him for the below the belt punch.
Often appears as...
- punch below the belt
- low blow
Usage tips
Disapproving
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Using 'below the belt' shows the action was hurtful, not just unfair.
After the argument, his 'below the belt' remarks left her in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Considered informal, best used in casual conversations or familiar settings.
Hey, no teasing about weight—that’s below the belt.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Professional Contexts
In work settings, this phrase might be too casual or accusatory.
I refrained from saying his critique was below the belt during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Using 'below the belt' shows the action was hurtful, not just unfair.
After the argument, his 'below the belt' remarks left her in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Considered informal, best used in casual conversations or familiar settings.
Hey, no teasing about weight—that’s below the belt.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Professional Contexts
In work settings, this phrase might be too casual or accusatory.
I refrained from saying his critique was below the belt during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Using 'below the belt' shows the action was hurtful, not just unfair.
After the argument, his 'below the belt' remarks left her in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Considered informal, best used in casual conversations or familiar settings.
Hey, no teasing about weight—that’s below the belt.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Professional Contexts
In work settings, this phrase might be too casual or accusatory.
I refrained from saying his critique was below the belt during the meeting.
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