If someone says something that is out of order, then the fact of the matter is that they have said something that is below the belt.
It is acknowledged as something that is unfair to say and whilst it might be thought, it should never actually be uttered.
Given this, what is the origin?
Well, this is one that comes from boxing and literally the fact that punching below the belt is never allowed, it is against the rules.
And so it became seen that doing or saying something unfair in general was 'below the belt' - that is, against the rules and literally underhand.
Back to Phrase Finder
|
|
|
| |
|
