kick at the can: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick at the can’ mean?
The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take a stab at" means to make an attempt or try something, often without being sure of the outcome or success.
The idiom "lead nowhere" means that a situation or action has no positive outcome or result. It implies that the efforts put into something are futile and will not lead to any productive or useful outcome.
The idiom "kick the habit" means to stop or break a bad or addictive behavior or addiction. It can refer to giving up smoking, drugs, or any other negative habit.
The idiom "kick the can down the road" means to delay or postpone addressing a problem or making a decision, often because it is difficult or unpopular to do so at the present time.
The idiom "kick the bucket" means to die or to pass away. It is a metaphorical expression that originated from the idea of someone accidentally kicking a bucket while they are hanging from a noose, resulting in their death.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "kick off" means to start or begin something, often forcefully or enthusiastically. It can also refer to the moment a game or event begins.
Decoding 'Kick at Can'
The phrase "kick at the can" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal contexts to describe a pointless or unsuccessful attempt to accomplish something.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the game Kick the Can, which was popular among children in North America during the early 20th century. In this game, one person, known as "it," would have to find and tag the other players who were hiding. However, if a player managed to kick the can before being tagged, any caught players could be freed. The idiomatic meaning of "kick at the can" likely originated from the idea that kicking the can wouldn't actually help the hiding players in escaping or winning the game.
The idiom "kick at the can" is often used metaphorically to describe situations where efforts are in vain. It can be used to depict an unsuccessful attempt to achieve a goal, solve a problem, or make a significant impact. For example, if someone tries to change a deeply ingrained social behavior but fails to make any real difference, their efforts can be described as a "kick at the can." The idiom implies a sense of futility, suggesting that the action or endeavor is ultimately pointless or negligible.
Despite its North American origins, the idiom "kick at the can" has gained recognition among English speakers worldwide. Its simplicity and directness make it easily understood and used. Additionally, its association with a childhood game adds a touch of nostalgia and relatability to the expression, making it even more memorable and relatable to a wide audience.
One related idiom that shares a similar theme is "kick the can down the road." This expression is often used in a political or decision-making context to describe the act of delaying or postponing a difficult decision or action. It suggests that instead of addressing the issue head-on, someone chooses to push it further into the future, thereby avoiding the immediate consequences or challenges associated with it. Just like a futile kick at the can, kicking the can down the road implies a sense of procrastination or avoidance that may not lead to a resolution or solution.
Another related idiom is "kick against the pricks." This expression originates from a biblical reference in Acts 9:5, where Saul of Tarsus encounters a divine vision. The phrase "kick against the pricks" is used metaphorically to describe a futile resistance or rebellion against an inevitable or unchangeable situation or authority. It implies that one's efforts to go against the natural order of things or challenge an established authority will only result in frustration and pain, similar to the futility of kicking against sharp points.
"kick it" is yet another related idiom, often used in informal conversations. This expression means to relax, take it easy, or enjoy oneself. It is often used to encourage someone to let go of their worries or stress and just have a good time. Unlike the previous idioms we discussed, "kick it" carries a positive connotation, highlighting the importance of taking a break and finding enjoyment in life.
The final related idiom is "kick into touch." This expression is derived from the sport of rugby, where "touch" refers to the area outside of the playing field. In rugby, if a player kicks the ball into touch, it means they intentionally kick it out of bounds to stop play and gain an advantage. Metaphorically, "kick into touch" can be used to describe a deliberate action taken to end or avoid a situation that is causing problems or difficulties. It implies a strategic move to distance oneself from a particular issue or to prevent further complications or negative consequences.
The idiomatic expression "kick at the can" refers to a futile or unsuccessful attempt to accomplish something. Its origin can be traced back to the game Kick the Can, popular among children in North America. The simplicity and relatability of this expression, along with its association with childhood games, have contributed to its recognition and usage by English speakers worldwide. Additionally, related idioms such as "kick the can down the road," "kick against the pricks," "kick it," and "kick into touch" further explore the themes of avoidance, resistance, relaxation, and strategic maneuvering in different contexts.
Example usage
Examples:
- She has been kicking at the can for months, but she still can't seem to find a solution to the problem.
- Instead of facing their issues head-on, they prefer to kick at the can and avoid dealing with the underlying causes.
- The government's decision to delay the implementation of the new policy is just another way of kicking at the can and avoiding making a difficult choice.
More "Verbs" idioms
