ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kick a dog when it's down

idiom
Meaning

To make things worse for someone in an adverse situation.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is cruel to kick a dog when it is down.

CONTEXTUAL

He already lost his job, so criticizing his performance now is just kicking a dog when it is down.

COMPLEX

Even though their rival had suffered a humiliating defeat, the team continued to mock them, effectively kicking a dog when it was down.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all it's cracked up to be

    As good as claims or reputation would suggest.

  2. 02

    buy a dog and bark oneself

    To do something that one has hired someone else to do.

  3. 03

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  4. 04

    dog and cat

    A team comprising one male and one female, either working as associates or having one as the second-in-command to the other.

  5. 05

    dog and pony show

    Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.

  6. 06

    dog around

    To follow diligently.

  7. 07

    dog in the hunt

    Something that may lead to gain, depending on the outcome; a position for which to campaign or cheer.

  8. 08

    dog in the manger

    Someone who denies to others something that the denier cannot use.

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