kick somebody when they're 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 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
- hit (one) when (one) is down
- hit somebody when they're down
- kick (one) when (one) is down
- kick someone when they are down
- kick (one) in the teeth
- kick somebody in the teeth
- kick someone in the teeth
- fire questions, insults, etc. at somebody
- fire insults at (one)
- hurl insults (at one)