a slap in the face
noun phrase
: a surprising act that offends or insults someone
Her decision to leave the company to work for our competitors was a slap in the face.
Examples of a slap in the face in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some suggested on social media that the way Trump handled his swearing-in, so to speak, was a slap in the face to evangelical Christians who have so staunchly supported Trump.
—
Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
Just over three years ago, Squid Game arrived as a slap in the face to anyone who thought a South Korean show couldn’t be a global hit.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Her defeat, Donald Trump’s triumph in each and every battleground state and — especially — his winning the popular vote were more than a slap in the face of Black women, long among the most loyal and dedicated of Democrats.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Not only does Hegseth lack the experience to fulfill this role but confirming him would be a slap in the face to those who are serving and have served with honor.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a slap in the face 
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Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
Just over three years ago, Squid Game arrived as a slap in the face to anyone who thought a South Korean show couldn’t be a global hit.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Her defeat, Donald Trump’s triumph in each and every battleground state and — especially — his winning the popular vote were more than a slap in the face of Black women, long among the most loyal and dedicated of Democrats.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Not only does Hegseth lack the experience to fulfill this role but confirming him would be a slap in the face to those who are serving and have served with honor.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a slap in the face
Dictionary Entries Near a slap in the face
Cite this Entry
“A slap in the face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slap%20in%20the%20face. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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