a kick in the face



a kick in the face

1. A thoroughly devastating or disappointing setback or failure. Losing the championship match was a real kick in the face, but I knew I just had to train even harder and try again next year.
2. A harsh punishment (or remedy) for acting foolishly or malevolently. Usually used prescriptively (i.e., "(someone) needs a kick in the face"). Tim needs a kick in the face for passing up such a fantastic job opportunity. Whoever has been spreading rumors about Cathy deserves a kick in the face!
See also: face, kick

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Oliviero-lee-VYE (French), O-lee-veer (Dutch)French, Dutch
Pavli-Albanian
ReinoRAY-noFinnish
OisÍNOSH-een, USH-eenIrish, Irish Mythology
BilboBIL-bo (English)Literature
Tiphaine-French