below the belt
3 antonyms for below the belt — opposites grouped by meaning.
Idiom — Unfair, cruel or dishonourable, especially of a remark that attacks something personal or painful that has nothing to do with the argument.
Antonyms
How to use below the belt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hit below the belt
that was below the belt
a bit below the belt
go below the belt
Informal but widely used, including in journalism. Usually appears with hit, go, or a linking verb.
Etymology
From boxing, where punches landing under the waistband are a foul. The phrase is associated with the Queensberry rules (1867), though the low blow is barred by later codes rather than by an explicit clause in the rules themselves.
Full origin of below the belt →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between below the belt and a low blow?
They mean the same thing and both come from boxing. Low blow is the more common noun form ('that was a low blow'), while below the belt works as a description ('the comment was below the belt') or with the verb hit.
What is the difference between below the belt and under your belt?
They are unrelated despite sounding similar. Below the belt means unfair or cruel. Under your belt means safely gained or completed, as in 'a degree under his belt'.
