# rub salt in the wound

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rub-salt-in-the-wound
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.

## Examples

- Don't rub salt in the wound by talking about his mistake.
- 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.

## Origin

Derived from the stinging sensation of salt being applied to an open, bleeding wound. The practice was a deliberate act, intended to increase the physical discomfort of the injury.

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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.