Idioms

a kick in the guts

a kick in the guts

1. A thoroughly devastating or disappointing setback or failure. Losing the championship match was a real kick in the guts, but I knew I just had to train even harder and try again next year. Having to move back in with my parents at age 40 is a real kick in the guts. Yep, my car broke down yesterday, and then today, I got fired. Talk about a kick in the guts.
2. A harsh punishment (or remedy) for acting foolishly or malevolently. Usually used in the form "someone needs a kick in the guts," or similar. Tim needs a kick in the guts for passing up such a fantastic job opportunity. Whoever has been spreading rumors about Cathy deserves a kick in the guts! That fool deserves a kick in the guts for dumping you!
See also: gut, kick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

kick in the guts

Sl. a severe blow to one's body or spirit. The news was a kick in the guts, and I haven't recovered yet. I didn't need a kick in the guts like that.
See also: gut, kick
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

kick in the guts

n. a severe blow to one’s body or spirit. The news was a kick in the guts, and I haven’t recovered yet.
See also: gut, kick
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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