Losing my job after all that hard work felt like a kick in the teeth.
kick in the teeth
idiomA humiliating insult or instance of bad treatment, especially when one is expecting friendship or in need of support; a sudden and unexpected setback; a strong rebuff.
After he spent months helping his friend with a project, being fired by him was a real kick in the teeth.
The sudden rejection of her research proposal, despite years of dedicated study, served as a painful kick in the teeth during her final year.
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arm to the teeth
To equip thoroughly with weapons.
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bare one's teeth
To show aggression.
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bone in her teeth
(of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).
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cast in someone's teeth
To accuse someone of something, or reproach them for it.
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cut one's teeth
To begin; to gain early experience.
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get a kick out of
To be delighted by; to be amused by.
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gnash one's teeth
To grind or strike the teeth together in anger, signaling extreme rage, frustration, pain, or ferocity.
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grit one's teeth
To face up to a difficult or disagreeable situation and deal with it.