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Region: General | Usage example: Bringing up the missed deadline rubbed salt in the wound.

Rub salt in the wound

Meaning

Make someone's hurt worse.

Usage

Used when pointing out additional misfortune.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Salt in a wound increased pain and slowed healing.

Medical texts from the Middle Ages mention salt's effect.

Related Idioms

Salt in the wound

Make someone's misery worse.

Pour salt on the wound

Make someone feel worse after they are already hurt.

Salt of the earth

A person with solid moral character.

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.