Kick somebody in the teeth

usgb
verb phrase

To treat someone badly or unfairly, especially at a time when they need support.

After all the work I did, they chose someone else for the promotion. It feels like they kicked me in the teeth.
Visual representation of "kick somebody in the teeth" - To treat someone badly or unfairly, especially at a time when they need support.

Often appears as...

  • feel like a kick in the teeth
  • action was a kick in the teeth

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "kick somebody in the teeth"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Feeling Betrayed

Emphasizes the emotional impact of being let down during difficult times.

Illustration for Feeling Betrayed
He supported her throughout, so her leaving was a kick in the teeth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Support Withdrawn

Suggests a sudden lack of support when it was most expected or needed.

Illustration for Support Withdrawn
The cancelation of funding felt like a kick in the teeth to the researchers.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Expression

Commonly used in informal situations among friends or in personal anecdotes.

Illustration for Casual Expression
It was a kick in the teeth to find out they went to the concert without me.
Visual representation of the word "Kick somebody in the teeth"

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