A kick in the teeth
noun
A shocking disappointment or setback.
Losing the job was a real kick in the teeth for him.
Often appears as...
- a real kick in the teeth
- feel like a kick in the teeth
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
An act of betrayal.
Her friend's harsh words felt like a kick in the teeth.
Often appears as...
- feel like a kick in the teeth
- betrayal felt like a kick in the teeth
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A shocking disappointment or setback.
Losing the job was a real kick in the teeth for him.
Often appears as...
- a real kick in the teeth
- feel like a kick in the teeth
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
An act of betrayal.
Her friend's harsh words felt like a kick in the teeth.
Often appears as...
- feel like a kick in the teeth
- betrayal felt like a kick in the teeth
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emotion
This phrase emphasizes strong negative feelings about an event or situation.
After years of hard work, not getting the promotion was a kick in the teeth.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Situations
Often used when an event is surprising and negative, upsetting one’s plans.
The sudden cancellation of the concert was a kick in the teeth to the fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Used figuratively, it doesn't refer to a literal physical action.
The failure of his business venture felt like a kick in the teeth.
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emotion
This phrase emphasizes strong negative feelings about an event or situation.
After years of hard work, not getting the promotion was a kick in the teeth.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Situations
Often used when an event is surprising and negative, upsetting one’s plans.
The sudden cancellation of the concert was a kick in the teeth to the fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Used figuratively, it doesn't refer to a literal physical action.
The failure of his business venture felt like a kick in the teeth.
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emotion
This phrase emphasizes strong negative feelings about an event or situation.
After years of hard work, not getting the promotion was a kick in the teeth.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Situations
Often used when an event is surprising and negative, upsetting one’s plans.
The sudden cancellation of the concert was a kick in the teeth to the fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Used figuratively, it doesn't refer to a literal physical action.
The failure of his business venture felt like a kick in the teeth.
Never forget "A kick in the teeth"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension