Idiom: a kick in the pants

Meaning

Idiom: (a/the) kick in the pants

something that gives you a very strong motivation to do something or to change your behavior

— Getting cancer was the kick in the pants I needed to quit smoking.

— When my son's unemployment benefits end next month it will give him a kick in the pants to apply for more jobs.

— I almost wish my boyfriend would get arrested for drug possession. He needs something to give him a kick in the pants to stop doing drugs.

— My lazy son needs a kick in the pants so we're going to start charging him rent.

— Getting a DUI was embarrassing but it was the kick in the pants I needed to stop drinking.

— I though losing your marriage would be the kick in the pants you needed to stop cheating but nothing's changed.

— Wearing a FitBit was a kick in the pants for my mom to get up and move around during the day and now she loves getting her steps in everyday.

— Not being able to get another credit card gave me a kick in the pants to start paying off my debts.