hit someone when they are down; kick a man when he's down
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to hit someone when they are down; to take advantage of someone's misfortune to harm them
neutralThis idiom vividly describes a mean and cowardly act, attacking someone who is already in a vulnerable or difficult situation. It carries a strong negative moral judgment.
Péng朋
you友
luò落
nàn难
shí时
，
tā他
bù不
dàn但
bù不
bāng帮
máng忙
，
fǎn反
ér而
luò落
jǐng井
xià下
shí石
，
sàn散
bù布
yáo谣
yán言
。
When his friend was in trouble, he not only didn't help, but instead kicked him when he was down by spreading rumors.
Gōng公
sī司
gǔ股
jià价
bào暴
diē跌
，
jìng竞
zhēng争
duì对
shǒu手
chèn趁
jī机
luò落
jǐng井
xià下
shí石
，
wā挖
zǒu走
le了
tā他
men们
de的
hé核
xīn心
tuán团
duì队
。
When the company's stock price plummeted, their competitors took the opportunity to hit them when they were down by poaching their core team.
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Zhēn真
zhèng正
de的
péng朋
you友
jué绝
bù不
huì会
zài在
nǐ你
shī失
bài败
shí时
luò落
jǐng井
xià下
shí石
。
A true friend would never kick you when you're down.