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Definition

A humiliating insult or instance of bad treatment, especially when one is expecting friendship or in need of support; a sudden and unexpected setback; a strong rebuff.

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In Context

  • "This kick in the teeth, brutal under any circumstances, is more so, given Matoussem Ramoud's gentle, trusting nature and his infatuation with America."
  • "King had remarked after the bill failed that a lot of people had lost faith in America; Roy Wilkins had said, “This defeat was a kick in the teeth to the civil rights effort.”"
  • "She had found her niche by being truant from school, giving people a bad time, and basically giving her parents' strict moral values a good, strong kick in the teeth."
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Also Said As

  • slap in the face
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Related Idioms

b

boy howdy

Expresses strong support or agreement.

 k

kick into the long grass

An instance of kicking into the long grass.

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stroke of luck

An instance of unexpected luck, usually good luck.

 e

eureka moment

The moment of a sudden unexpected discovery.

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brain blast

To have a moment of a sudden unexpected discovery.

 c

choose violence

To disrespect or insult someone in a particularly audacious and unexpe…
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