Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by oh_no_my_eyes 5073 days ago
i dont think he's referring to a violent beating. i think he's referring to the getting a kick in the ass to get you moving.

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/a+kick+in+the+ass
2 comments
zem 5073 days ago
interesting subtlety - i'd refer to that as an "ass-kick" rather than an "ass-kicking"
link
ktizo 5073 days ago
The kick in the ass to get you moving is itself a metaphor for actually being beaten though.
link