Where does the saying a kick in the teeth come from?
The saying relies on a simple metaphor, implying that an event is as painful, discouraging and humiliating as being kicked in the mouth. “Kick in the teeth” is one of a large number of idiomatic English expressions, dating back to the 18th century, which relate to being kicked.
What does a kick in the head mean?
a kick in the head 1. A thoroughly devastating or disappointing setback or failure. Losing the championship match was a real kick in the head, 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.
Is better than a kick in the teeth?
Meaning: If something is better than a kick in the teeth, it isn’t very good, but it is better than nothing.
What does kick in the pants mean?
A humiliating setback or rebuff. For example, That rejection was a real kick in the pants, or That review was a kick in the teeth. A third, vulgar variant of these colloquial terms is a kick in the ass. Versions of this last expression— kick in the breech, kick in the behind—have been used since the early 1800s.
What does kick in the face mean?
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.
Is kick in the teeth an idiom?
If you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean that that person treats you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you need their support: She was dismissed from her job, which was a real kick in the teeth after all the work she’d done.
What does getting kicked mean?
To seek out, indulge in, or enjoy something fun or pleasurable. I’ve never been one to get my kicks from running—I find a long, hot bath much more enjoyable. See also: get, kick.
What does kicked in the head by a horse mean?
A harsh punishment (or remedy) for acting foolishly or malevolently. Usually used prescriptively (i.e., “(someone) needs a kick in the head”). Tim needs a kick in the head for passing up such a fantastic job opportunity.
What is a swift kick?
adj. 1 moving or able to move quickly; fast. 2 occurring or performed quickly or suddenly; instant.
What does kick up a row mean?
To be very vocal in one’s displeasure about something; to make a scene. My mom kicked up a row when the store refused to accept her return without a receipt.
What does it mean when someone gives you a kick in the teeth?
kick in the teeth. informal. › If you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean that that person treats you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you need their support: She was dismissed from her job, which was a real kick in the teeth after all the work she’d done.
What was the kick in the teeth in 1994?
a kick in the teeth a grave setback or disappointment, especially one seen as a betrayal. informal 1994 Daily Mirror The rates rise was a kick in the teeth for the housing market, which had been showing signs of recovery. See also: kick, teeth
Why is freezing the minimum wage a kick in the teeth?
Airlines link ‘kick in teeth for consumers’ Joe Anderson, spokesman for Teesside Young Labour, said: “Freezing the minimum wage is a kick in the teethfor young people who are struggling to afford the increased costs of transport, study and living. Wages ruling rapped Make no bones about it – it is a major kick in the teeth.