RUBBING SALT INTO THE WOUND Meaning and
Definition
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The expression "rubbing salt into the wound" is an idiom used to describe an action of exacerbating someone's pain, distress, or humiliation. It implies making an already difficult situation even worse by causing further discomfort or insult. The phrase originates from the old belief that adding salt to a wound would increase the pain and prevent it from healing.
Metaphorically, "rubbing salt into the wound" describes intentionally reminding someone of their failure, misfortune, or dissatisfaction, thus intensifying their negative emotions. This act of further aggravation can be done through words, actions, or both, and is often considered cruel or unsympathetic.
The expression is commonly used when someone is already dealing with a setback, disappointment, or emotional distress, and another person adds insult to injury by insensitively emphasizing the negativity, thereby prolonging or deepening the suffering. For example, if a person loses their job and a friend comments on their incompetence or mocks their failed efforts, they would be "rubbing salt into the wound."
This phrase encapsulates the concept of compounding someone's misfortune or misery by knowingly and purposefully emphasizing their pain. It implies a lack of empathy or sympathy and emphasizes the person's insensitivity to the suffering of others.
Common Misspellings for RUBBING SALT INTO THE WOUND
- rubbing salt in to the wound
- eubbing salt into the wound
- dubbing salt into the wound
- fubbing salt into the wound
- tubbing salt into the wound
- 5ubbing salt into the wound
- 4ubbing salt into the wound
- rybbing salt into the wound
- rhbbing salt into the wound
- rjbbing salt into the wound
- ribbing salt into the wound
- r8bbing salt into the wound
- r7bbing salt into the wound
- ruvbing salt into the wound
- runbing salt into the wound
- ruhbing salt into the wound
- rugbing salt into the wound
- rubving salt into the wound
- rubning salt into the wound
- rubhing salt into the wound
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