Don't rub salt in the wound by talking about his mistake.
rub salt in the wound
idiomTo aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.
Origin
disputed originDerived from the stinging sensation of salt deliberately being rubbed into an open, bleeding wound.
She lost the race, and his constant comments about her slow time only rubbed salt in the wound.
After the company fired him, they sent a letter criticizing his performance, which served only to rub salt in the wound.
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Attic salt
Pointed and delicate wit.
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covenant of salt
A long-lasting agreement.
- 03
not worth salt
Worthless.
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old salt
A seasoned sailor, especially one who is hardy and forthright in manner.
- 05
put a band-aid on a bullet wound
To inadequately treat a serious situation.
- 06
rub down
To rub from top to bottom, e.g. for cleaning, stripping paint or massage.
- 07
rub elbows
To associate closely; to consort, mingle, or socialize.
- 08
rub in
To make a point in an irritatingly emphatic manner.