kick someone when they are down
Attack the fallen
To kick someone when they are down is to attack or criticize them when they're already suffering or vulnerable.
The image is of someone fallen and defenseless, receiving additional blows: He lost his job, then his wife left him—talk about kicking a man when he's down.
The phrase usually appears as an accusation of unfairness or cruelty.
- twist the knifeIntensify someone's anguish deliberately
- mockScornful imitation or fake
- make matters worseIntensify an existing problem
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- low blowUnfair, unsportsmanlike strike
hit below the belt · cheap shot · punch down · humiliate · abuse of power · persecute · disparage · cruelty · opportunism · deride · belittle · exploitation · insult · add insult to injury · rub it in · pile on · beat a dead horse · betrayal
kick someone when they are downlend a helping hand
Volunteer one's assistance
lend a hand · come to someone's aid · give someone a break · cut someone some slack · have someone's back
kick someone when they are downturn the other cheek
Refuse to retaliate