put the boot in
Attack when down
To put the boot in is to kick someone who's already down—literally or figuratively.
The phrase is primarily British, describing an attack on someone already weakened or defeated: Once the scandal broke, the press really put the boot in.
It suggests cruelty or excess, piling on when mercy might be expected.
Foot-delivered strike
- attackAggressive act against another
- beatRhythmic pulse or strike
- pummelStrike repeatedly with fists
- thrashBeat violently or defeat utterly
batter · strike · wallop · punch · maul · stomp · bludgeon · ambush
Aggressive act against another
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- panShallow cooking vessel
lambaste · castigate · disparage · tear apart · savage · trash · slam · hammer
Use opportunistically for benefit
- pile onAdd excessively to
- rub it inEmphasize someone's mistake cruelly
- twist the knifeIntensify someone's anguish deliberately
- add insult to injuryWorsen harm with mockery
capitalize · victimize · prey on · gloat · humiliate · finish off
kick
Foot-delivered strike
thrash · batter · strike · wallop · punch · maul · stomp · bludgeon · ambush · mug
attack
Aggressive act against another
pan · lambaste · castigate · disparage · tear apart · savage · trash · slam · hammer · rebuke
take advantage
Use opportunistically for benefit
- pile onAdd excessively to
- rub it inEmphasize someone's mistake cruelly
- twist the knifeIntensify someone's anguish deliberately
add insult to injury · capitalize · victimize · prey on · gloat · humiliate · finish off
put the boot inshow mercy
Treat with leniency
spare · let off the hook · have mercy · forgive · cut some slack
put the boot instand up for
Defend against criticism
have someone's back · stick up for · build up · lend a hand · prop up
putting, putter, boot, boots, booted, booting, bootee, bootie