smack in the face

smack in the face

A set phrase used to describe words or actions that have offended or otherwise upset someone. It was a real smack in the face when she got promoted over me, especially after the amount of work I did on that last project.
See also: face, smack
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

smack in the face

Fig. something that will humiliate someone, often when it is considered deserved; an insult. Being rejected by Jane was a real smack in the face for Tom, who thought she was fond of him. Meg thought she was the best-qualified candidate for the job, and not getting it was a smack in the face.
See also: face, smack
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

a smack in the face (or eye)

a strong rebuff. informal
See also: face, smack
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a smack in the face
  • a slap in the face
  • slap in the face
  • if you don't mind me saying (so)
  • if you don't mind me/my saying so...
  • if you don't mind my saying (so)
  • (I'm) just saying
  • smack-bang
  • IJS
  • smack-dab
References in periodicals archive
Guiao went to that length after Johnson's run-ins with several Elasto Painters, including one where he hit Paul Lee smack in the face with an open hand.
Seigle: Ivan was defamed butAa[euro]sA/
Eugene: Defeat was smack in the face EUGENE Martin admits his young Birmingham & Solihull team had a 'smack in the face from reality' after the wheels fell off their bandwagon at the weekend.
Eugene: Defeat was smack in the face
"It was a bit of a smack in the face, because not much went right in that game either for myself or for the team.
Rugby Union: Tom set to wing it again