Idiom – Below the Belt

Below the Belt – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

A very unfair and personal remark on someone or something.

History:

It originated in 1865 from boxing, where Marquess of Queensberry rules are followed, which means that hitting the opponent is restricted below the waistline in the ring. Later in the 19th century, people started using this expression more proactively.

Examples:

1. “Adam, what you said was a bit below the belt.”
2. People should think twice before saying anything. At times what they say can hit someone below the belt.
3. The outburst of the manager yesterday was completely below the belt.
4. Nice saying, but it is a little too below the belt for me.
5. We talked about it, and he knows that his remark was completely below the belt.
6. He was feeling guilty that his comment might have been a bit below the belt.
7. Ben’s joke about Ross’s problems was below the belt, which is why no one likes to talk to him.
8. I do not like to argue below the belt. I feel things get personal when people do that.
9. He wasn’t a very talented actor, but when the chips were down, he performed well.
10.  They are getting divorced while arguing about something they both went completely below the belt. It was quite shocking.
11. The accusation made by Marie was below the belt.

Scenario:

Friend 1: What happened last week between David and Sam?

Friend 2: Because of some misunderstanding, things got personal and nasty between them.

Friend 3: Yeah! Infact what David said about Sam was a little below the belt.