Job's comforter

American  

[johbz] / dʒoʊbz /

noun

1. a person who unwittingly or maliciously depresses or discourages someone while attempting to be consoling.

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Job's comforter British  

noun

1. a person who, while purporting to give sympathy, succeeds only in adding to distress

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Etymology

Origin of Job's comforter

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Maurice is Tom's sausage-maker, but he has now emerged as a truly biblical figure, Job's comforter.

From The Guardian • Apr. 30, 2013

In the final sections of the book, Zorn, 32, obviously failing in energy and spirit,' takes the advice of Job's comforter: to curse heaven and die.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Oh, yes, it can," said Billy, assuming the role of Job's comforter.

From Army Boys in France or, From Training Camp to Trenches by Randall, Homer

The Job's comforter on the steamer retired into himself.

From From Sea to Sea Letters of Travel by Kipling, Rudyard

"Sepia, I can't for the life of me tell whether you are a Job's comforter or the devil's advocate."

From Mary Marston by MacDonald, George