He thinks that being a close loser might give people a psychological boost, or the proverbial kick in the pants.

他认为，惜败可能会给人们一种心理上的刺激，或者如谚语所说的“重大挫折”。

youdao

Besides, knowing that we are not alone just might be the kick in the pants we need to grow up as a species.

此外，知道我们并不是孤独的大概会成为我们作为一个物种成长过程中所解不开的心结吧。

youdao

He was always late for work, so the manager decided to give him a kick in the pants and watch his performance.

他上班经常迟到，所以经理对他作出口头警告，并留意他的表现。

youdao

And a good kick in the pants in Europe is exactly what we need right now.

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And every few years the SEC gives the NASD a good kick in the pants.

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And yes, it's certainly a pleasantly smooth kick in the pants while you're driving it.

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