Definition
To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.
Origins
Derived from the stinging sensation of salt deliberately being rubbed into an open, bleeding wound.
In Context
- "To rub further salt into the wound, the narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock received the new corporate blue livery and double arrows logo."
Also Said As
- add insult to injury
- kick someone when they are down
- twist the knife
- rub it in
- add fuel to the fire
- add insult to injury
- cap it all off
- fan the flames
- make matters worse
- throw gasoline on the fire
- With malice
- hit someone when they are down
- kick a dog when it's down
- kick someone when they are down
- punch down
- put the boot in
- rub it in
- rub salt in the wound
- strike someone when they are down
- twist the knife