a kick in the teeth
something that is very disappointing or upsetting that happens when you need support
kick somebody in the teeth
(also kick somebody in the stomach/pants) to disappoint someone or treat them badly at a time when they need help

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

kick in the teeth
if you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean that they treat you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you need their support.
She was refused promotion which was a real kick in the teeth after all the extra work she'd done.

kick (someone) in the teeth
a kick in the teeth - if you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean that they treat you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you need their support.
She'd only been trying to help him and she felt that she'd been kicked in the teeth.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

kick in the teeth
{n. phr.}, {informal} Unexpected scorn or insult when praise was expected; rejection.
Mary worked hard to clean up John's room, but all she got for her trouble was a kick in the teeth.
Compare: SLAP IN THE FACE.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

kick someone in the teeth
kick (someone) in the teeth
a kick in the teeth - if you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean that they treat you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you need their support.
She'd only been trying to help him and she felt that she'd been kicked in the teeth.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲