Put/stick the boot in
verb
To deliberately hurt, harm, or criticize someone, particularly when they are already in a difficult situation.
As soon as they heard about his divorce, the press stuck the boot in, criticizing his personal life.
Often appears as...
- really put the boot in
- put the boot in further
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To fiercely attack, particularly in a violent physical encounter.
I tried to break up the fight, but this guy came out of nowhere and just started sticking the boot in.
Often appears as...
- stick the boot into someone
- unwarranted put the boot in
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To deliberately hurt, harm, or criticize someone, particularly when they are already in a difficult situation.
As soon as they heard about his divorce, the press stuck the boot in, criticizing his personal life.
Often appears as...
- really put the boot in
- put the boot in further
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To fiercely attack, particularly in a violent physical encounter.
I tried to break up the fight, but this guy came out of nowhere and just started sticking the boot in.
Often appears as...
- stick the boot into someone
- unwarranted put the boot in
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Tone
The phrase often implies a disdainful or unsympathetic attitude towards someone's plight.
After losing his job, his colleagues put the boot in by mocking his misfortune.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Hurt
It's not about physical harm but causing emotional or reputational damage.
They really put the boot in by spreading rumors about her.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using the phrase can express disapproval of the harshness being displayed.
It's unfair how the critics put the boot in when she was already struggling.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Tone
The phrase often implies a disdainful or unsympathetic attitude towards someone's plight.
After losing his job, his colleagues put the boot in by mocking his misfortune.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Hurt
It's not about physical harm but causing emotional or reputational damage.
They really put the boot in by spreading rumors about her.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using the phrase can express disapproval of the harshness being displayed.
It's unfair how the critics put the boot in when she was already struggling.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Tone
The phrase often implies a disdainful or unsympathetic attitude towards someone's plight.
After losing his job, his colleagues put the boot in by mocking his misfortune.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Hurt
It's not about physical harm but causing emotional or reputational damage.
They really put the boot in by spreading rumors about her.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using the phrase can express disapproval of the harshness being displayed.
It's unfair how the critics put the boot in when she was already struggling.
Never forget "Put/stick the boot in"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension