- To make an unfair, cruel, personal, or unsportsmanlike remark or take an unfair action, especially during an argument, competition, or conflict.
- It often involves attacking a vulnerability or bringing up something irrelevant and hurtful.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes directly from the sport of boxing.
- Hitting an opponent below the waistline (protected by the belt) is an illegal move or foul play because it targets a vulnerable area unfairly.
- The phrase was adopted metaphorically to describe any similarly unfair tactic in other contexts.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Low blow. (Extremely common)
- Cheap shot.
- Dirty pool. (Unfair methods/tactics)
- That's foul. / That's out of line.
- Not cool. (Understated disapproval)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- That's fucked up. / That's messed up. (General strong disapproval)
- What a dick move. / That was shitty. (Vulgar criticism of the unfair action)
- Cunt move. (Extremely vulgar, especially UK/Aus)
Milder/More Formal:
- That was unfair/unjust.
- That was uncalled for.
- An ad hominem attack. (Formal term: attacking the person, not their argument)
- Unsportsmanlike conduct. (Formal, esp. in sports/competitions)
- Beyond the pale. (Unacceptable, outside the bounds of decency)
Situational Appropriateness
- Can be used in informal and semi-formal contexts to describe unfair behavior.
- Calling something hitting below the belt is a strong criticism of the fairness and ethics of an action or comment.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might initially take it literally if unfamiliar with the boxing origin. Emphasize the metaphorical meaning of unfairness, cruelty, or targeting a vulnerability.
Examples
- During the argument, he brought up her parents' divorce, which was really hitting below the belt.
- Criticizing his performance is one thing, but making fun of his disability is hitting below the belt.
- Her campaign ad used personal attacks that many considered hitting below the belt.
Dialogue
Chris: I can't believe what Mark said to Lisa in the meeting! He brought up that mistake she made years ago!
Pat: Wow, seriously? That's hitting way below the belt. That project issue had nothing to do with her past mistake.
Chris: Exactly! It was a cheap shot just to undermine her. Totally unprofessional.
Social Media Examples
- Comment on debate: Candidate X just hit Candidate Y below the belt by bringing up their kid's problems. Disgusting tactics. #debate #politics
- Personal reflection: Had an argument and said something I regret. Definitely hit below the belt. Need to apologize. #relationships #communication
- Reacting to gossip: Spreading rumors about someone's private life? That's hitting below the belt. #bekind #privacy
Response Patterns
- Strong disagreement/condemnation: That was completely uncalled for., You've crossed a line., That's a low blow., How could you say/do that?
- Defending the target: Hey, leave their family out of this!, That has nothing to do with the issue.
- Shock or silence.
- Accusation: Are you seriously hitting below the belt right now?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Condemning the unfair remark/action.
- Demanding an apology or retraction.
- Ending the conversation or interaction due to the unfairness.
- Reassessing the character of the person who delivered the low blow.
- Defending or comforting the person who was targeted.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to comment on or condemn a specific unfair action or remark.
Intonation
- Usually said with strong disapproval, shock, or condemnation.
- Stress on BELOW and BELT. That comment was BELOW the BELT.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations. The boxing origin is well-known enough for the metaphor to be clear.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.