The idiom “rub salt in the wound” is often used to describe a situation where someone exacerbates a difficult or painful situation, making it even more unpleasant. It is used in contexts where an action or statement intensifies the pain or discomfort in an already troubling scenario.
For example, if someone brings up a painful memory or topic to a person already in distress, they could be accused of “rubbing salt in the wound.”
About the Author: Chris Drew has a PhD in Education. He has been a teacher in schools and universities and has taught English as a Second Language in Colombia. He is former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.
Rub Salt in the Wound Idiom Origins
The origin of “rub salt in the wound” lies in a literal physical practice with roots tracing back to ancient times. Here’s a bit of its background:
- Physical Practice: Historically, salt was rubbed into wounds as an antiseptic to prevent infection. While it was a method to cleanse and treat the injury, the process was extremely painful due to the interaction between salt and open flesh.
- Metaphorical Pain: Over time, the practice evolved into a metaphor. The application of salt, although for healing, caused additional suffering. Similarly, the idiom began to symbolize a situation where an action or statement intensifies the pain or difficulty in an already problematic situation.
Presently, the phrase is utilized to express the exacerbation of an already painful or challenging scenario, highlighting the added difficulty or stress.
The following chart from Google showcases the frequency of usage of the phrase over time. As you can see, while we associate this idiom with ancient times, it seems to have only become popular since around the 1960s:
10 Examples in a Sentence
- “Losing the game was bad enough, but the mocking from the other team really rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Her breakup was hard, but seeing her ex with someone new rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Getting rejected was tough, but the detailed feedback really rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Not being invited was upsetting, but seeing the pictures on social media rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Losing the job was difficult, but the company’s success without him rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Missing the train was frustrating, but the subsequent rain rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Being criticized was tough, but the public nature of it rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “Failing the test was disappointing, but not being able to retake it rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “The loss was painful, but the injury during the match rubbed salt in the wound.”
- “His apology was nice, but his subsequent mistake really rubbed salt in the wound.”
Practice Questions Worksheet for Students
Question 1: If someone reminds you of a recent failure, how might you feel?
- a) Appreciative
- b) Excited
- c) Hurt or upset
- d) Indifferent
Question 2: Which of the following situations best describes someone rubbing salt in the wound?
- a) A friend congratulating you on a win.
- b) A coworker highlighting a mistake in front of your boss.
- c) A teacher praising your improvement.
- d) A family member sending a heartfelt message.
Question 3: If someone says, “Don’t rub salt in the wound,” what are they likely asking for?
- a) Reminders of their failure
- b) Understanding and empathy
- c) Financial support
- d) A congratulatory message
Question 4: What does it mean if your mistake is highlighted after a significant failure?
- a) Someone is rubbing salt in your wound.
- b) Someone is beating around the bush.
- c) Someone is throwing you a lifeline.
- d) Someone is cutting corners.
Similar Idioms
1. Kick someone when they’re down
Definition: To make a bad situation even worse for someone.
In a Sentence: “Lecturing me about my mistakes right now is kicking me when I’m down.”
2. Add insult to injury
Definition: To make a situation worse by adding negative actions or comments.
In a Sentence: “The hefty fine for late payment just adds insult to injury.”
3. Twist the knife
Definition: To intentionally make a bad situation even worse.
In a Sentence: “She twisted the knife by mentioning his failed projects.”
4. Pour gasoline on the fire
Definition: To make an already problematic situation even more volatile or intense.
In a Sentence: “Arguing in this tense situation would be like pouring gasoline on the fire.”
5. Fan the flames
Definition: To make a situation or feeling more intense or aggressive.
In a Sentence: “His harsh words only fanned the flames of the argument.”
6. Hit where it hurts
Definition: To cause harm in a particularly vulnerable area.
In a Sentence: “He hit where it hurts by mentioning her recent struggles.”
7. Salt the earth
Definition: To prevent any regrowth or regeneration.
In a Sentence: “His actions were meant to salt the earth so no progress could be made.”
8. Dig the knife in deeper
Definition: To make a painful situation even more painful.
In a Sentence: “When she brought up his past failures, it dug the knife in deeper.”
9. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Definition: To exaggerate or make too much of a small problem.
In a Sentence: “Accusing him like that is making a mountain out of a molehill.”
10. Throw fuel on the fire
Definition: To make a situation more serious or dangerous.
In a Sentence: “Your aggressive response will just throw fuel on the fire.”
11. Pull the rug out from under someone
Definition: To unexpectedly remove support or sabotage someone.
In a Sentence: “The sudden policy change pulled the rug out from under many businesses.”
12. Open old wounds
Definition: To remind someone of a painful or sensitive issue.
In a Sentence: “Discussing the failed project only served to open old wounds.”
13. Make waves
Definition: To create trouble or discord in a previously stable situation.
In a Sentence: “His controversial statement made waves in the peaceful community.”
14. Up the ante
Definition: To increase the stakes or risk in a situation.
In a Sentence: “By threatening a lawsuit, he certainly upped the ante.”
15. Rock the boat
Definition: To disturb a situation or the status quo.
In a Sentence: “Her candid interview really rocked the boat within the organization.”
