# strike someone when they are down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/strike-someone-when-they-are-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of kick someone when they are down (“make things worse for someone in a difficult position”).

## Examples

- 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.

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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.