kick about








<. Related: Kicked; kicking.

Figurative sense of “complain, protest, rebel against” (late 14c.) probably is from the Bible verse. Slang sense of “die” is attested from 1725 (kick the wind was slang for “be hanged,” 1590s; see also bucket). Meaning “to end one’s drug habit” is from 1936. Kick in “contribute” is from 1908; kick out “expel” is from 1690s. To kick oneself in self-reproach is from 1891. The children’s game of kick the can is attested from 1891.

n.

1520s, from kick (v.). Meaning “recoil (of a gun) when fired” is from 1826. Meaning “surge or fit of pleasure” (often as kicks) is from 1941; originally literally, “stimulation from liquor or drugs” (1844). The kick “the fashion” is c.1700.

In addition to the idioms beginning with kick

  • kick a habit
  • kick around
  • kick ass
  • kick back
  • kick in
  • kick in the pants, a
  • kick it
  • kick off
  • kick oneself
  • kick out
  • kick over the traces
  • kick the bucket
  • kick the habit
  • kick up
  • kick up a fuss
  • kick up one’s heels
  • kick upstairs

also see:

  • alive and kicking
  • for fun (kicks)
  • get a bang (kick) out of
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