strike someone when they are down
Synonym of kick someone when they are down (“make things worse for someone in a difficult position”).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is cruel to strike someone when they are down.”
“He lost his job yesterday, so criticizing his performance now is like striking someone when they are down.”
“Even though their rivalry was intense, she refused to strike someone when they are down, choosing instead to offer support during his time of personal crisis.”
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
cry someone a river
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
Last updated August 10, 2026