# put the boot in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-the-boot-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To kick a fallen opponent.

## Examples

- It is cruel to put the boot in when someone is already failing.
- After the manager publicly criticized his mistake, his coworkers decided to put the boot in by pointing out all his other errors.
- Rather than offering a hand to his defeated rival, the politician chose to put the boot in during his victory speech to ensure his opponent never recovered.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.