be below the belt

To unfairly target another person's weakness or vulnerability. The phrase refers to boxing, in which hitting an opponent below the waist is unacceptable. I know she really wants the promotion, but telling the boss about my personal problems was below the belt.

be below the belt

if something someone says is below the belt, it is cruel and unfair

Usage notes: In a boxing match it is wrong to hit the person you are fighting against below the belt.

It was below the belt to mention his brother's criminal record.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Dustin	DUS-tin	English
Samara	-	English (Modern)
Maurits	MOW-rits	Dutch
Daedalus	DED-ə-ləs (English)	Greek Mythology (Latinized)
Benoite	-	French
Gedaliah	ged-ə-LIE-ə (English)	Biblical