kick in the butt

• Informelle Wendung für einen motivierenden Anstoß, einen plötzlichen Energieschub oder eine Rüge, die jemanden zum Handeln oder zu besseren Leistungen bewegt.

An informal expression referring to a motivating push, a sudden burst of energy, or a reprimand that encourages someone to take action or improve performance.

1. Motivation or encouragementB2informal

   A strong push or incentive to start doing something or to act.

   Tritt in den Hintern

   • Losing his job was the kick in the butt he needed to start his own business.
   • She needed a kick in the butt to finish her thesis.
   • Sometimes a little kick in the butt is all you need to get moving.

2. Negative consequenceB2informal

   An unpleasant event that serves as a warning or punishment.

   Unangenehme Lektion

   • Getting a speeding ticket was a real kick in the butt for him.
   • The failed exam was a kick in the butt that made him study harder.
   • Her boss's criticism was a kick in the butt that improved her work.