Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rub-salt-into-the-wound

idiom

/rʌb sɔlt ˈɪntu ðə waʊnd/

Definition

To make a bad situation worse for someone by reminding them of their misfortunes or by pointing out their errors.

Examples

After he lost the game, his friend rubbed salt into the wound by constantly bringing it up.
She wasn’t just upset about the breakup; her ex continuing to date her friend really rubbed salt into the wound.

Meaning

This phrase is often used when someone is already feeling bad about something, and another person adds to their discomfort or humiliation, thus amplifying their pain.