below the belt
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Jospin tripped up in his 2002 presidential rematch against Chirac, making a number of gaffes, including a swipe at his opponent's age that was seen as below the belt.
From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026
But as Robinson and Cohen emphasized, no athlete “has been accused of using shots of hyaluronic acid below the belt for the purposes of cheating at ski jumping.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026
When Jones got up, Gardner said the Patriots player bumped into him — and the Jets cornerback shoved him after he said he took an inappropriate shot below the belt.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2023
The other left Williams writhing in pain as an errant snap struck him below the belt.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2023
I shouldn’t have said it; mentioning his half-finished book projects was definitely below the belt.
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
