Hit somebody when they’re down
phrase
To harm, criticize, or take advantage of someone when they are already suffering or experiencing difficulties.
It's not fair to hit somebody when they're down. We should be supportive instead.
Often appears as...
- break someone when they're down
- attack someone when they're down
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To harm, criticize, or take advantage of someone when they are already suffering or experiencing difficulties.
It's not fair to hit somebody when they're down. We should be supportive instead.
Often appears as...
- break someone when they're down
- attack someone when they're down
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase is often used metaphorically, not describing physical action but rather mean behavior.
The media tends to hit celebrities when they're down by spreading negative stories.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Using this phrase almost always implies a negative judgment of the person acting.
That politician was really hitting his opponent when he pointed out his recent divorce.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
The phrase can evoke sympathy for the person being hit and disapproval towards the aggressor.
Everyone felt sorry for Jake; the team hit him when he was down about losing the game.
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