kick (one) when (one) is down

kick (one) when (one) is down

To criticize, exploit, insult, or otherwise treat badly one who has already suffered a setback or is in a vulnerable position. Can Jeff's employee review wait until next week? His girlfriend just left him, and I don't want to kick him while he's down. A: "I'm sorry you got fired, but you shouldn't have been so sloppy with your work." B: "Wow, way to kick me when I'm down."
See also: down, kick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

kick someone when they are down

If someone kicks you when you are down, they do something to harm you or upset you when you are already in a difficult or unpleasant situation. There seemed no point in kicking the man when he was down. When he and the team have been struggling, the Press have kicked them when they were down, with their cruel and ridiculous post-match comments.
See also: down, kick, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

kick someone when they are down

cause further misfortune to someone who is already in a difficult situation.
See also: down, kick, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

kick somebody when they’re ˈdown

continue to hurt somebody when they are already defeated, etc: George generally believed that you should never kick a man when he’s down, but thought that this time he might make an exception.
See also: down, kick, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hit (one) when (one) is down
  • hit somebody when they're down
  • kick somebody when they're down
  • kick someone when they are down
  • kick someone in the teeth
  • kick (one) in the teeth
  • kick somebody in the teeth
  • fire questions, insults, etc. at somebody
  • fire insults at (one)
  • hurl insults