How to Pronounce "kick a dog when it's down"
expression
KIK-uh-DAWG-wen-its-DOWN
KIK-uh-DOG-wen-its-DOWN
Definition
To treat someone badly or unfairly when they are already suffering or in trouble, making their situation worse.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɔɡ/ /ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈɪts/, /ɪts/ /ˈdaʊn
British English
kˈɪk/ /æɪ/ /dˈɒɡ/ /wˈɛn/ /ɪts/ /dˈaʊn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KIK-uh-DAWG-wen-its-DOWN
UK
KIK-uh-DOG-wen-its-DOWN
Listen in Context
It's cruel to kick a dog when it's down.
Don't kick a dog when it's down; try to help instead.
He lost his job, but his friends didn't kick a dog when it's down.
She made a mistake, but you really don't have to kick a dog when it's down.