kicking and screaming: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kicking and screaming’ mean?
The idiom kicking and screaming means to resist or protest strongly against something, doing everything possible to avoid it or prevent it from happening.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "not want to do that" is used to indicate a strong aversion or unwillingness towards a particular action or situation.
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 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.
The idiom "kick loose" means to break free or detach from a situation or person. It implies a desire for independence and liberation.
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
The Reluctant Resistance
When analyzing the idiom "kicking and screaming," several key facts emerge. The phrase has its roots in physical resistance and is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone fervently opposes or resists something. It conveys the idea of forcefully unwilling action or strong opposition to a particular circumstance or decision.
One possible origin of the idiom can be traced back to physical restraint. In this context, kicking and screaming refers to a person's desperate attempt to free themselves from physical restraint. The expression captures the intense struggle and resistance demonstrated by an individual in such a scenario, conveying the idea of vehement objection or resistance.
In a metaphorical sense, "kicking and screaming" is used to portray a similar level of resistance, but in a non-physical context. The idiom is often employed to depict a person's strong opposition or unwillingness to comply with a particular demand, decision, or change. It encapsulates the emotional intensity and refusal to adhere or accept a given situation.
Furthermore, "kicking and screaming" can also imply a sense of desperation, denial, or fear associated with an unwanted change or circumstance. The idiom carries connotations of frustration, helplessness, and an attempt to maintain control or autonomy in the face of an unwelcome situation. The relentlessness of the resistance described by the idiom emphasizes the intensity of emotions and the determination to avoid or escape an undesirable outcome.
The idiom's usage is not limited to individuals. It can also represent a collective resistance or opposition by a group or community towards a specific event, policy, or action. By invoking the image of individuals kicking and screaming, the idiom provides an evocative description of a strong collective objection and an unwillingness to comply or accept a certain situation.
The idiom "kicking and screaming" offers a vivid portrayal of intense resistance, opposition, and unwillingness. Its origin lies in the physical act of struggling and attempting to free oneself from restraint. The metaphorical usage of the idiom extends to capturing emotional intensity and individual or collective efforts to resist or oppose something fervently. The idiom remains a powerful metaphor that continues to be employed to describe various instances of vehement opposition and reluctance.
The idiom "kick against the pricks" is related to "kicking and screaming." This phrase is derived from a biblical proverb and essentially means to resist or oppose in a futile or self-destructive manner. It conveys the idea of pushing against adversity or resisting authority without accomplishing anything fruitful. The act of kicking against the pricks is often driven by frustration or a sense of injustice, but ultimately leads to more harm than good.
Similarly, the idiom "kick butt" is also related to "kicking and screaming." It is an expression used to describe a determined and forceful effort to succeed or achieve a goal. The phrase conveys the idea of taking action with enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of empowerment. When someone is said to be "kicking butt," it means they are making significant progress or overcoming obstacles with strength and determination.
Lastly, the idiom "kick out" shares a connection with "kicking and screaming." This phrase is used to describe the act of forcefully removing or expelling someone from a particular place or situation. It conveys the idea of a strong and decisive action taken to remove someone who is unwanted or undesirable. When someone is "kicked out," it implies a forceful and often involuntary departure from a specific location or group.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "kicking and screaming" can be used in a sentence:
- She was dragged to the dentist's office, kicking and screaming.
- The company had to lay off several employees, who left the office kicking and screaming.
- Despite his reluctance, the child was forced to go to school, kicking and screaming.
More "Resist" idioms
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