Meaning: Unfair, cruel, or against the rules of decency
Hindi: अनुचित या नियमों के विरुद्ध, निम्न स्तर का व्यवहार
Synonyms: unfair, unjust, foul, cruel
Asked in: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 · SSC MTS 2021
below the belt in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Below the belt
Answer & explanation
Answer: D) Unfair or unjust behavior
Correct Answer: Option 4 — "Unfair or unjust behavior"
"Below the belt" is an idiom meaning unfair, unsporting, or cruel behaviour that goes beyond acceptable limits.
Origin: The idiom comes from the sport of boxing, where the rules strictly prohibit hitting an opponent below the waistband (belt). Such a hit is considered a foul — unsportsmanlike and against the rules.
Usage: "Bringing up his personal problems during the debate was really a blow below the belt." = That was an unfair, unjust attack.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 "Hitting someone lightly" — not related to the idiomatic meaning.
Option 2 "Doing something with great care" — unrelated to the idiom.
Option 3 "A punch in bo
Examples
- “His comment about her family was below the belt.”
below the belt – questions
What is the meaning of below the belt in Hindi?
below the belt means “अनुचित या नियमों के विरुद्ध, निम्न स्तर का व्यवहार” in Hindi. In English: Unfair, cruel, or against the rules of decency
What are the synonyms of below the belt?
Synonyms of below the belt: unfair, unjust, foul, cruel.
What is the opposite of below the belt?
Antonyms of below the belt: fair, honest.
Has below the belt been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – below the belt has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC MTS 2021.