below the belt UK /bɪˈləʊ ðiː bɛlt/US /bəˈloʊ ðə bɛlt/ prepositional phrase2 •Of a punch, landing illegally, below the opponent's waist. •Unfair; dirty; not according to the generally accepted rules.Commenting on his bachelorhood in a debate on marital ethics was a bit below the belt, don't you think?