slap in the face
Stinging public rejection
A slap in the face is a sudden insult or rejection, especially one that feels personal and undeserved.
The phrase captures the shock and sting of being publicly disrespected or dismissed: After years of loyal service, the demotion felt like a slap in the face.
A literal slap to the face is assault; the figurative version describes treatment that might as well be.
Deliberate public insult
- indignityHumiliating or degrading treatment
- disrespectLack of regard
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- offenseViolation or umbrage
snub · rebuff · slight · contempt · disdain · dismissal · degradation · put-down
Jolt into awareness
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- stunnerPerson or thing overwhelming
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
- eye-openerStartling piece of information
rude awakening · reality check · surprise · blindside · gut punch · sucker punch · thunderbolt · bolt from the blue
Betray someone's trust
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
- breach of trustViolation of confidence
stab in the back · treachery · sellout · broken promise · faithlessness · duplicity · perfidy · false friend
affront
Deliberate public insult
- indignityHumiliating or degrading treatment
- disrespectLack of regard
- humiliationLoss of dignity
offense · snub · rebuff · slight · contempt · disdain · dismissal · degradation · put-down · belittlement
wake-up call
Jolt into awareness
eye-opener · rude awakening · reality check · surprise · blindside · gut punch · sucker punch · thunderbolt · bolt from the blue · taken aback
backstab
Betray someone's trust
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
breach of trust · stab in the back · treachery · sellout · broken promise · faithlessness · duplicity · perfidy · false friend · deception
- reality checkswake-up call, reality check, eye-opener, harsh truth, harsh reality
slap in the facecompliment
Words expressing approval
pat on the back · tribute · warm welcome · vote of confidence · words of praise
slap in the faceshot in the arm
Revitalizing boost or injection
ego boost · breath of fresh air · pleasant surprise · pick-me-up · blessing
slap in the faceaccolade
Expression of high esteem
honor · commendation · award · recognition · badge of honor
face, slap, facing, faced, faces, facial, deface, slapped, slapping