below the belt
Below the belt (idiom) means Unfair, cruel or dishonourable, especially of a remark that attacks something personal or painful that has nothing to do with the argument. Example: “Bringing up his divorce in a work meeting was well below the belt.”
How to use below the belt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nasty, unfair thing to say or do.
Informal but widely used, including in journalism. Usually appears with hit, go, or a linking verb.
Do not confuse it with 'under your belt', which is positive and means already achieved, as in 'two years of experience under her belt'.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Bringing up his divorce in a work meeting was well _____.
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.
