salt in the wound
Worsening an injury
Salt in the wound describes something that makes an already painful situation worse.
The phrase comes from the literal sting of salt entering broken skin, and it typically appears with verbs like rub or pour: Losing my job was bad enough, but having my car towed the same day was salt in the wound.
The expression emphasizes deliberate or gratuitous aggravation of existing hurt, whether physical, emotional, or financial.
- stingSharp wound from insect
- twist the knifeIntensify someone's anguish deliberately
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- insultOffensive remark or action
- add insult to injuryWorsen harm with mockery
humiliation · slap in the face · provocation · low blow · irritation · burn · betrayal · disappointment · anguish · rejection · bitter pill · aggravation · resentment · mockery · ache · reminder · regret · antagonism
salt in the woundcomfort
Ease or soothing relief
solace · salve · consolation · balm · relief
salt in the woundolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
helping hand · act of kindness · empathy · sympathy · moral support
salt in the woundsilver lining
Consolation within misfortune
ray of hope · light at the end of the tunnel · blessing in disguise · turning point · breath of fresh air
salt, wound, salts, salted, salting, salty, saltiness, saline, salinity