hit (someone) when (he or she) is down



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hit (someone) when (he or she) is down

To criticize, exploit, insult, or otherwise treat badly someone 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 hit him while he's down. Bob: "I'm sorry you got fired, but you shouldn't have been so sloppy with your work." Dave: "Wow, Bob. Way to hit me when I'm down."
See also: down, hit

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Siva-Tamil, Indian, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
Diana[dai'ænə]
Catharine['kæθərin]
CaitlinKAHT-leen (Irish), KAYT-lin (English)Irish, English
Lebron-African American (Rare)
Bonifatius-Late Roman