hit below the belt
To do or say something unfair
حرفيًا: To strike someone in the body below where their belt sits.
Use this when someone says something unfairly personal just to hurt you or win an argument.
في 15 ثانية
- An unfair or cruel comment during a disagreement.
- Comes from boxing rules where low hits are illegal.
- Used when someone attacks your personal weaknesses unfairly.
المعنى
This phrase describes an attack or a comment that is unfair. It happens when someone uses your personal secrets or weaknesses against you to win an argument.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Arguing with a sibling
I know we're fighting, but bringing up my failed exam was hitting below the belt.
I know we're fighting, but bringing up my failed exam was unfair.
A tense office meeting
Mentioning her past mistakes in front of the CEO was a bit below the belt.
Mentioning her past mistakes in front of the CEO was quite unfair.
Texting a friend after a joke went too far
Ouch, that joke about my ex was a bit below the belt, don't you think?
Ouch, that joke about my ex was a bit mean, don't you think?
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originates from the 19th-century Marquess of Queensberry Rules in boxing, which prohibited low hits for safety and sportsmanship. It reflects the Western cultural value of 'fair play' and the idea that even in conflict, there are ethical boundaries one should not cross.
The 'Low Blow' Alternative
You can use 'low blow' as a noun. Instead of saying 'He hit below the belt,' you can say 'That was a low blow!'
Don't be too literal
In modern English, this is almost always about words, not physical hitting. Don't use it for a physical injury unless you are actually boxing!
في 15 ثانية
- An unfair or cruel comment during a disagreement.
- Comes from boxing rules where low hits are illegal.
- Used when someone attacks your personal weaknesses unfairly.
What It Means
Imagine you are in a fair fight. There are rules to keep things safe. Hit below the belt means someone broke those rules. They didn't just disagree with you. They said something deeply personal to hurt your feelings. It is an unfair move that leaves you feeling shocked.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone brings up a private mistake. It is common in arguments with partners or friends. You can say, "That was a bit below the belt." It tells the other person they went too far. It focuses on the unfairness of the comment, not just the topic.
When To Use It
Use it during a heated debate at work. Maybe a colleague mentions your old mistake to look better. Use it when a friend jokes about your recent breakup in front of others. It works well in movies and books too. It highlights a moment of betrayal or extreme rudeness. Even if you are right, hitting below the belt makes you look like the villain.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small accidents. If someone steps on your toe, it isn't below the belt. Don't use it for fair criticism. If your boss says your report is late, that is just the truth. It only applies when the attack is cruel or irrelevant to the main point. Avoid using it in very happy, lighthearted celebrations.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes straight from the world of boxing. In the 1800s, the Marquess of Queensberry Rules were created. These rules made it illegal to punch an opponent below the waist. It was considered cowardly and dangerous. Over time, the phrase moved from the boxing ring to our daily conversations. Now, we use it for words instead of fists.
Common Variations
You might hear people say "that was a low blow." Both mean the exact same thing. Sometimes people simply say, "That’s below the belt." You can also use it as a verb: "He really hit below the belt with that comment."
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is neutral and safe for most situations. It is very common in movies, journalism, and daily life to describe a lack of sportsmanship or ethics.
The 'Low Blow' Alternative
You can use 'low blow' as a noun. Instead of saying 'He hit below the belt,' you can say 'That was a low blow!'
Don't be too literal
In modern English, this is almost always about words, not physical hitting. Don't use it for a physical injury unless you are actually boxing!
Fair Play Culture
English speakers value 'fair play' highly. Using this phrase shows you understand the social 'rules' of a fair argument.
أمثلة
6I know we're fighting, but bringing up my failed exam was hitting below the belt.
I know we're fighting, but bringing up my failed exam was unfair.
Used to point out a personal attack during a family disagreement.
Mentioning her past mistakes in front of the CEO was a bit below the belt.
Mentioning her past mistakes in front of the CEO was quite unfair.
Observing someone else acting unprofessionally.
Ouch, that joke about my ex was a bit below the belt, don't you think?
Ouch, that joke about my ex was a bit mean, don't you think?
Setting a boundary in a casual friendship.
The candidate really hit below the belt when he talked about his opponent's family.
The candidate was very unfair when he talked about his opponent's family.
Describing public behavior that lacks sportsmanship.
Whoa, hitting below the belt! My haircut isn't THAT bad, is it?
Whoa, that's a low blow! My haircut isn't that bad!
Using the phrase playfully during light teasing.
The lawyer's tactics were effective, but many felt they were below the belt.
The lawyer's tactics worked, but many felt they were unethical.
Formal context regarding ethics and fairness.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
I can't believe he mentioned my divorce; that was really below the ___.
The standard idiom is 'below the belt,' referring to boxing rules.
Identify the correct context for this phrase.
Which situation is a 'hit below the belt'?
Hitting below the belt involves an unfair, personal attack.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Below the Belt'
Used with friends during banter.
That's a low blow, man!
Common in daily conversation or media.
His comments were below the belt.
Used to describe unethical behavior.
The tactics used were considered below the belt.
When to say 'Below the Belt'
Relationship Spat
Bringing up old baggage.
Work Rivalry
Taking credit for your work.
Competitive Sports
Insulting a player's family.
Friendly Roasting
A joke that gets too personal.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt means to do or say something that is very unfair or cruel, especially by using someone's personal weaknesses against them. For example, 'Bringing up my past was below the belt.'
The phrase itself isn't rude, but it describes rude behavior. You use it to call out someone else for being mean or unfair.
Yes, it is common in professional settings to describe unethical behavior. You might say, 'His criticism of her personal life was below the belt.'
It comes from boxing. In boxing, hitting an opponent below the waist (the belt) is illegal and considered unfair.
Yes, they are interchangeable. 'That was a low blow' and 'That was below the belt' mean exactly the same thing.
Usually, no. It is almost always used metaphorically for words or actions. If you are actually boxing, you would just say 'low blow' or 'illegal hit'.
You can use both. You can say 'That hit below the belt' (verb) or 'That was below the belt' (adjective).
A common mistake is saying 'under the belt.' The correct preposition is always below.
Not necessarily. It can be a joke that is too mean or a business move that is dishonest. Anything unfair can be below the belt.
It is used in both! It is a very common idiom across the entire English-speaking world.
عبارات ذات صلة
Low blow
An unfair or unkind comment.
Fighting dirty
Using dishonest or unfair methods to win.
Cheap shot
A sudden, unfair criticism of someone.
Add insult to injury
To make a bad situation even worse.
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