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Below the Belt

Something cruel, hurtful or unfair and considered against the rules of a true sportsmanship spirit

Etymology:

  • The origin of this phrase dates back to the 18th century when boxing was famous sport in different area. Certain rules of boxing were defined in that time period and a special belt was worn. Below the belt no one could make any blows or strikes to the opponents. Today boxers have replaced the belts with waistbands but the rule is still the same that no punching below the line. Now this idiom is used outside the boxing ring also and in modern context it represents foul play or illegal steps.
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Below the belt discrimination must end between different competitors.

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Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Below the Belt':

below the beltOf a punch, landing illegally, below the opponent's waist.
below the beltUnfair; dirty; not according to the generally accepted rules.
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to Below the Belt

tighten one's beltbelt and suspendersbelow the saltHit Below the Beltbible belthit below one's weightbelt outsend belowbelow parbelt upas above, so belowcut belowgo belowcut below

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