"Kicked the teeth" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe a situation where someone faces a severe setback, disappointment, or significant failure, thereby experiencing a profound sense of defeat or humiliation. This expression typically signifies that the individual has encountered a particularly harsh or brutal blow, leaving them feeling hopeless, defeated, or taken aback by the magnitude of the setback.
Metaphorically, the phrase derives its meaning from the imagery of physically kicking someone's teeth, which is considered an act of extreme aggression and dominance. Consequently, when someone has metaphorically "kicked the teeth," it implies that they have figuratively inflicted significant harm or damage on another person, object, or situation.
This expression is often used in contexts such as sports, business, or personal relationships, where individuals invest their time, effort, or resources with hopes of achieving success, only to have their dreams shattered by an unforeseen turn of events or an overpowering adversary. Moreover, "kicked the teeth" suggests an overwhelming defeat or unexpected blow often characterized by a sense of powerlessness, vulnerability, or betrayal.
The expression "kicked the teeth" reveals the impact of failure on an individual's emotional state, emphasizing the severity of the setback and the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that often accompanies it.
