Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
put the boot in
idiom
/pʊt ðə buːt ɪn/
Definition
To attack or criticize someone harshly, especially when they are already down.
Examples
- After losing the game, his teammates really put the boot in with their harsh comments.
- She felt that the media put the boot in during their coverage of her mistakes.
Meaning
This phrase indicates a situation where someone takes advantage of another person’s weakness or misfortune to further harm or criticize them.
Synonyms
- kick someone when they’re down
- pile on
- attack
