ENGLISH
REFERENCE

salt in the wound

idiom
Meaning

Something that increases someone's pain.


Examples
SIMPLE

Losing the game was bad, but his comments added salt in the wound.

CONTEXTUAL

She already felt terrible about failing the test, so his criticism was just salt in the wound.

COMPLEX

The company's decision to fire him on his birthday served as salt in the wound after he had already lost his promotion.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Attic salt

    Pointed and delicate wit.

  2. 02

    covenant of salt

    A long-lasting agreement.

  3. 03

    not worth salt

    Worthless.

  4. 04

    old salt

    A seasoned sailor, especially one who is hardy and forthright in manner.

  5. 05

    put a band-aid on a bullet wound

    To inadequately treat a serious situation.

  6. 06

    rub salt in someone's wounds

    To make a painful situation even worse (even with the best of intentions).

  7. 07

    rub salt in the wound

    To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.

  8. 08

    salt away

    To save or preserve (especially money) for future use.

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