To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
Etymology:
- This was derived from the fables of Phaedrus in the first century CE. The story was of a bald man who swats at a fly which has just landed on his head, but instead hits himself on the head. The fly comments, "You wished to kill me for a touch. What will you do to yourself since you have added insult to injury?" The actual wording appears in English from the middle of the 18th century.
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They told me I was too old for the job, and then to add insult to injury, they refused to pay my expenses!
Submitted by chelsea_c on December 28, 2018
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"add insult to injury." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/add-insult-to-injury_42492>.
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