rub salt in/into the wound

Related to word: rub

Idiom

Definition

  1. To exacerbate an already unpleasant situation, making it even more distressing or painful for someone.

    • It was bad enough that she was fired, but him constantly bringing up her mistakes was like rubbing salt in the wound.

    • Not only did he lose the game, but he also had to watch the opposing team celebrate their victory, which was like rubbing salt in the wound.

    • When she found out that they had all received promotions, it was like rubbing salt into the wound, as she had missed out on the opportunity herself.