kick someone when they are down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick someone when they are down’ mean?
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
The idiom "knock someone off their perch" means to cause someone to lose their position of power, influence, or superiority.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "kick off" means to start or begin something, often forcefully or enthusiastically. It can also refer to the moment a game or event begins.
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
The idiom "kicking boots" refers to a person who is in a state of great energy, enthusiasm, or readiness to take action.
Decoding Brutal Kicks
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" is a common phrase used in English language. It describes how someone takes advantage of another person's vulnerability or misfortune. The word "kick" refers to harming someone, both physically and metaphorically, while "when they are down" implies the person being kicked is already at a disadvantage or weakened.
The origin of this idiom comes from physically kicking someone who is already on the ground or incapacitated. This action represents further harm or insult inflicted on a weakened individual. Over time, the idiom has evolved into its current figurative usage, where kicking represents taking advantage of someone's weakness or vulnerability in a non-literal sense.
This idiom can be used in various contexts and situations. It often describes situations where someone adds insult to injury or exploits another person's misfortune for their own benefit. It shows a lack of empathy or compassion, as the person doing the kicking shows no regard for the suffering or difficulties of the individual they are targeting.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" is a related phrase that highlights a similar concept. It emphasizes physically striking someone who is already in a weakened state. Just like kicking, hitting someone when they are down represents taking advantage of their vulnerability or misfortune.
Another related idiom is "strike someone when they are down". This idiom also refers to taking advantage of someone who is already in a weakened position. The act of striking someone when they are down implies inflicting further harm or exploiting their vulnerability for personal gain.
Similar to "kick someone when they are down", the idiom "kick a dog when it's down" conveys the idea of attacking or harming a defenseless and weak target. It extends the concept of taking advantage of vulnerability to include animals, specifically using the metaphor of kicking a dog that is already down.
The idiom "kick someone's ass", while more aggressive in tone, shares the same underlying meaning as "kick someone when they are down". It emphasizes the act of inflicting harm or defeat on someone, especially when they are already in a weakened state. Both idioms highlight the potential for cruelty and lack of empathy towards those who are in a disadvantaged or vulnerable position.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" encompasses the concept of exploiting someone's vulnerability or misfortune for personal gain. Its origins can be traced back to both the literal act of physically kicking a person who is already down, as well as the metaphorical representation of adding insult to injury. This idiom serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature, highlighting the potential for cruelty and lack of empathy towards those who are in a weakened state. While its usage may vary depending on the context, its underlying meaning remains consistent.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "kick someone when they are down" can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his job, his supposed friends kicked him when he was down by spreading false rumors about him.
- The team decided to kick their opponent when they were down by scoring several more goals even though victory was already guaranteed.
- Instead of offering support, Mary decided to kick her sister when she was down by criticizing her failing business.
More "Exploitation" idioms
