below

aim/hit below the belt

be below the belt - if something someone says is below the belt, it is cruel and unfair. In the run-up to the election, politicians won't hesitate to aim below the belt.

See also: belt, hit

be below par

1. to be below the usual or expected standard. His performance yesterday was definitely below par. For some reason her work this week hasn't been up to par.

2. to be slightly ill. Do you mind if we put our meeting off till tomorrow? I'm feeling a bit below par today. After a sleepless night, I wasn't quite up to par.

See also: par

be below the belt

if something someone says is below the belt, it is cruel and unfair. It was below the belt to mention his brother's criminal record.

See also: belt

be/live below the breadline

be/live on the breadline - to be very poor. There are immigrant families living below the breadline in some areas.

See also: breadline, live

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below the belt

not fair. That new advertisement really hits below the belt.

Usage notes: often used with hit, as in the example

Etymology: based on the idea of hitting someone below the belt in boxing, which is against the rules

See also: belt

a notch below someone/something

not quite as good as someone or something else. Fifty years ago, there were many big bands that were good, but they were a notch below the great ones.

See also: notch