kick in the balls

English

Etymology

See ball (“testicle”).

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Noun

kick in the balls (plural kicks in the balls)

1. (slang) A big setback or disappointment.
   • 2008, Thomas W. Young, The Speed of Heat: An Airlift Wing at War in Iraq and Afghanistan:

     This was a real kick in the balls to us because Afghanistan was going on, September 11 had just happened, and we were away from our families.

   • Jan 23 2009, Wokingham Times - Local Rugby Round-Up

     "Losing to Wallingford was a kick in the balls for us so we know we can't take any team lightly", said player/coach and lock Ben Hughes

   • April 16 2010, Scottish Daily Record - If you laugh at people for having a go on reality shows then you're an idiot, blasts Barry Hyde of The Futureheads

     "It's still a kick in the balls whether you've made the label drop you or they reject you."

Synonyms

• smack in the face