Kick someone when they're down
Meaning
To further harm, criticize, or take advantage of a person who is already in a vulnerable, defeated, or difficult situation.
Origin
The vivid image at the heart of this phrase takes us straight into the brutal world of a physical fight. Imagine a boxing match or a street brawl: one combatant has been knocked to the ground, helpless and defeated. To then strike them again—to literally kick them when they are down—is a profound violation of fair play and common decency. This act, universally recognized as cowardly and unsportsmanlike, became a powerful metaphor. The phrase transitioned seamlessly into common idiom because its underlying moral condemnation of gratuitous cruelty towards a vulnerable opponent resonates deeply, reflecting a long-standing human code against excessive, unsportsmanlike aggression.
Examples
- After he lost his job, his landlord raising the rent felt like kicking him when he was down.
- It's unfair to mock the losing team; there's no need to kick them when they're down.