kick in the bollocks
Below-belt blow
A kick in the bollocks is British slang for a painful blow to the testicles, and by extension, any sudden setback or harsh disappointment.
The figurative sense dominates: Losing the contract was a real kick in the bollocks.
The phrase emphasizes how unexpected and demoralizing the blow feels.
Also *kick in the balls* in American English.
- slap in the faceHumiliating rebuke or rejection
- kick in the teethDemoralizing rebuff or insult
- gut punchShocking emotional blow
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- bitter pillDifficult thing to accept
low blow · blindsided · sucker punch · betrayal · heartbreak · dismay · crushing blow · trauma · curveball · cold shower · cheap shot · body blow · stab in the back · bruise · regret · frustration · humiliation · agony
kick in the bollocksshot in the arm
Revitalizing boost or injection
blessing · godsend · stroke of luck · pleasant surprise · windfall
kick in the bollockslucky break
Unforeseen favorable occurrence
jackpot · bonanza · boon · silver lining · break
kick in the bollocksjackpot
Accumulated gambling prize
bonanza · boon · serendipity · miracle · answered prayer
kicks, kicked, kicking, kicker, bollocks, bollocking, bollocked