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Region: General | Usage example: Telling her about the delay poured salt on the wound.

Pour salt on the wound

Meaning

Make someone feel worse after they are already hurt.

Usage

Used when additional pain is inflicted.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Salt irritates open wounds, creating more discomfort.

Used metaphorically since at least the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Salt in the wound

Make someone's misery worse.

Rub salt in the wound

Make someone's hurt worse.

Pour one out

Honor someone absent or deceased by pouring a drink.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.