kick in the teeth: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick in the teeth’ mean?
The idiom kick in the teeth means to experience a severe disappointment or setback, often unexpectedly. It conveys the feeling of being betrayed or undermined, as if being physically kicked in the mouth.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick the knife in" means to purposely say or do something to harm or betray someone, usually when they are already in a vulnerable or difficult situation.
The idiom "knock the stuffing out of" means to greatly weaken or defeat someone or something, typically through a powerful physical or emotional blow or shock.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "kick butt" means to take strong, decisive action or to defeat someone or something decisively. It is often used to describe a forceful or aggressive manner of accomplishing a task or overcoming an obstacle.
The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.
Unanticipated Blow
kick in the teeth is an idiom that originated in the early 20th century and is commonly used in the United States. It has a negative connotation and is used to describe an action or event that is extremely disappointing, demoralizing, or damaging to someone.
The phrase "kick in the teeth" is often used to convey feelings of betrayal or deep disappointment. It suggests that the action or event being referred to is not only unexpected but also particularly hurtful, leaving the person affected feeling wounded, both emotionally and perhaps even physically. The idiom is usually employed to describe situations where someone has experienced a significant setback, often caused by someone they trusted or believed in.
One related idiom is "kick in", which means to deliver a forceful blow or strike with the foot. This idiom is similar to "kick in the teeth" in that it conveys a sense of impactful action or event. While "kick in the teeth" emphasizes the negative emotions associated with the action or event, "kick in" focuses more on the physical act itself.
Another related idiom is "bite the big one", which means to suffer a major failure or defeat. This idiom captures the sense of disappointment and negative outcome that can be associated with a "kick in the teeth". Both idioms convey a sense of significant setback or adversity.
Similarly, the idiom "kick butt" is related to "kick in the teeth" as it implies a forceful action or event. "Kick butt" is often used to describe situations where someone is overcoming obstacles or achieving great success. While "kick butt" is typically used in a positive context, it shares the sense of impactful action or event that "kick in the teeth" conveys.
Lastly, the idiom "kick someone's ass" is also related to "kick in the teeth" as it suggests a forceful action or event that has a significant impact on someone. "Kick someone's ass" is often used to describe situations where someone is defeated or humiliated. While the tone and context may differ, it shares the sense of impactful action or event that "kick in the teeth" conveys.
As with many idioms, the figurative use of "kick in the teeth" relies on the shared cultural understanding of its meaning. The idiom is widely used in everyday language and can be found in various contexts, from personal conversations to formal writing. It is especially prevalent in discussions about politics, relationships, and situations where trust has been breached.
Given the idiom's negative connotation, it is important to note that it may carry different degrees of severity depending on the context in which it is used. For example, a minor disappointment may warrant a different phrase or a milder idiom, while a devastating betrayal or significant setback may be accurately described as a "kick in the teeth". The precise level of distress implied by the idiom can vary, allowing it to be adaptable to a range of situations.
The idiom "kick in the teeth" remains a relevant and widely understood phrase in contemporary American English. Its evocative nature captures the severity of certain situations, emphasizing the emotional and psychological impact of disappointing or damaging events. While the idiom's usage is firmly rooted in the present, its origins and precise etymology may forever remain elusive, adding a touch of mystery to an otherwise well-established and ubiquitous phrase.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "kick in the teeth" can be used in a sentence:
- After working tirelessly for years, getting laid off was a real kick in the teeth.
- Her supposed best friend spreading rumors about her was like a kick in the teeth.
- Winning the lottery only to have the money stolen was a devastating kick in the teeth.
More "Defeat" idioms
