Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to add insult to injury

idiomatic expression

/tə æd ˈɪn.sʌlt tə ˈɪn.dʒər.i/

Definition

To make a bad situation worse by saying or doing something that further aggravates it.

Examples

After losing the game, the loud laughter from the opposing team really added insult to injury.
He forgot my birthday, and to add insult to injury, he didn’t even apologize.
The company’s decision to cut salaries after laying off employees added insult to injury.

Meaning

This phrase is used to indicate that an action has not only caused harm or distress but has also added an extra layer of insult or offense to the situation.