Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Kick someone when they are down

To cause further trouble to someone already in a difficult situation

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "kick someone when they are down" is to cause further trouble to someone already in a difficult situation.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is being deliberately cruel or unkind to someone who is already struggling. It is often used to describe someone who is taking advantage of someone else's misfortune. For example, you might say "He kicked her when she was down by cheating on her while she was going through a tough time." This means that he took advantage of her vulnerability by cheating on her while she was already going through a difficult time.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• To create a disturbance deliberately: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to stir up trouble."
• To reject or disown friends: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to cut someone off."
• To be angry with or disappointed in someone: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to be mad at someone."