kick a dog when it's down
To make things worse for someone in an adverse situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is cruel to kick a dog when it is down.”
“He already lost his job, so criticizing his performance now is just kicking a dog when it is down.”
“Even though their rival had suffered a humiliating defeat, the team continued to mock them, effectively kicking a dog when it was down.”
- 01
all it's cracked up to be
As good as claims or reputation would suggest.
- 02
buy a dog and bark oneself
To do something that one has hired someone else to do.
- 03
call off the dogs
To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.
- 04
cat and dog life
An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.
- 05
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.
- 06
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 07
dog around
To follow diligently.
- 08
dog in the hunt
Something that may lead to gain, depending on the outcome; a position for which to campaign or cheer.
Last updated August 10, 2026