below the belt

5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for below the belt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Idiom — Unfair, cruel or dishonourable, especially of a remark that attacks something personal or painful that has nothing to do with the argument.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

dirty

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

unfair

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

cheap shot uncalled for unsporting

Antonyms

fair above board sporting

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'.

People also searched

fair dirty unfair sporting unsporting

Nearby words

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