noun
attacking a fleeing enemy; mopping-up attack
Literal military term: striking an enemy who is retreating or already defeated. Often used in historical or strategic contexts.
敗走する敵に追い討ちをかけた。
They launched a mopping-up attack on the fleeing enemy.
noun
adding insult to injury; rubbing salt into a wound; piling on
Figurative use: an additional misfortune or harsh action that makes a bad situation worse. Common in the phrase 追い討ちをかける.
失業した上に、病気になるとは追い討ちだ。
Losing my job and then getting sick was adding insult to injury.
彼は落ち込んでいる友人に追い討ちをかけるようなことを言った。
He said something that rubbed salt into the wound for his depressed friend.