slap in the face

Idioms and Phrases

A sharp rebuke or rebuff, as in Being criticized in front of my staff was a real slap in the face , or We thought it quite a slap in the face when they returned our letter unopened . The figurative use of this term, which can also refer to a literal blow, dates from the late 1800s.

Example Sentences

For people who believe all that Christian talk about morality and decency, his behavior is a slap in the face.

From Salon

“This unserious, partisan proposal is a slap in the face to producers who don’t have the luxury of waiting 415 days to do their jobs, especially given the current struggling agriculture economy. I look forward to working with President Trump to strengthen rural America and pass a farm bill that actually focuses on the folks who feed and fuel our nation.”

From Salon

“Instead, they got a former World Wrestling Entertainment executive. This is embarrassing and a slap in the face to our nation’s talented educators.”

From Los Angeles Times

Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio says, “The election was a real slap in the face to the governor and Legislature — telling them that they are completely out of touch with the voters regarding crime.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I try not to allow politics to affect me, but it’s a slap in the face,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times