a smack in the face
• something that causes great offence, disappointment, or distress.
• "the government's refusal to reconsider their decision is another smack in the face for those workers"
Similar:
rebuff,
rejection,
repulse,
snub,
insult,
affront,
put-down,
humiliation,
blow to one's pride,
slap in the face,
brush-off,
