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

"You are rather a Job's comforter, Twining," said Beecher, tartly.

From Davenport Dunn, Volume 2 (of 2) A Man Of Our Day by Lever, Charles James

"You are a pretty Job's comforter," gasped Mr. Chattaway.

From Trevlyn Hold by Wood, Mrs. Henry

At other times she seemed to take a perverse pleasure in making the worst of a situation and playing the part of Job’s comforter.

From Etheldreda the Ready A School Story by Horrell, Charles