PhrasesHub

To kick the bucket

    Definitions

      • to die
        to refer to someone's death in a casual or humorous way

    Examples of To kick the bucket

    • When Mr. Smith's doctor gave him some bad news about his health, his family knew that he was going to kick the bucket soon.

      In this example, "kick the bucket" is used to mean "die" in a more colorful and figurative way. The literal meaning of "kick the bucket" is to knock a wooden bucket over by kicking it, but this idiom has a different meaning in a figurative sense. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century and is still commonly used today to convey the idea of someone's imminent death.

    • The old farmer finally kicked the bucket last night. His health had been declining for months, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

      The expression "kick the bucket" is a euphemism for dying. Its origins are uncertain, but it may come from the practice of hanging poultry by the neck and letting it kick until it died, with the bucket catch ing the bird's feet. The use of "bucket" instead of a more graphic term for death makes the expression less jarring and more palatable.

    • The lead singer announced that he was quitting the band and kicking the bucket. Fans were shocked and saddened by the news, but the remaining members vowed to carry on.

      In this example, the expression is used metaphorically to describe quitting or leaving a job, organization, or activity, often suddenly and without warning. It suggests that the person is effectively giving up or throwing in the towel, although the exact meaning varies by context.

    • The CEO's reputation took a serious hit when it was revealed that she had kicked the bucket on a major contract, ultimately costing the company millions of dollars. Her actions were widely condemned, and she was forced to resign.

      "Kick the bucket" can also be used figuratively to describe failing to fulfill a promise or obligation, particularly in a business or financial context. It suggests that the person has let their colleagues or clients down in a significant way, possibly causing financial or reputational harm.

    • The athlete's injury was so severe that he knew he had kicked the bucket as far as his career was concerned. He decided to retire gracefully and focus on other pursuits.

      In this final example, "kick the bucket" is used to describe the end of a career or pursuit, particularly when it is clear that the person involved is no longer capable of continuing. It suggests that the person has come to terms with their situation and is ready to move on to other opportunities.

    • Tom's grandfather passed away suddenly. We were all shocked when the doctor called us and said, "I'm sorry to inform you that Tom's grandfather kicked the bucket this morning."

      "To kick the bucket" is a colorful and colloquial way of saying "to die". While "to die" is a straightforward statement of fact, "to kick the bucket" is more idiomatic and adds an additional visual image of buckets being kicked over. It's a poetic expression that can be used to soften the blow of delivering bad news.

    • When we found out that the company would have to close its doors, we knew that it was the beginning of the end. We felt like we were staring into the abyss and saw the writing on the wall. We even joked that the company had kicked the bucket.

      "To kick the bucket" can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of something, such as a business, a project, or a relationship. In this case, the expression "kicked the bucket" indicates that the company has reached a critical point and is falling apart. It's a metaphorical way of thinking about the finality of the situation and imagining it as a dramatic event.

    • John's car engine had been making strange noises for weeks, but he kept putting off taking it to the mechanic. Finally, one day, the engine quit completely. John said, "Well, I guess the car finally kicked the bucket."

      "To kick the bucket" can also be used to describe the failure or breakdown of something, such as a car, a machine, or a system. In this context, the expression "kicked the bucket" indicates that the car has reached the end of its useful life and is unable to function anymore. It's a metaphorical way of thinking about the finality of the situation and representing it as a dramatic event.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to kick the bucket" is commonly used to refer to someone's death in a lighthearted or humorous manner. It is not typically used in formal or serious contexts, but rather in casual conversation or storytelling.

    Origin of "To kick the bucket"

    The origin of the idiom "to kick the bucket" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its possible origins. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of a person standing on a bucket with a noose around their neck, and then kicking the bucket out from under them to commit suicide. Another theory is that it comes from the tradition of slaughtering animals by hanging them up and having them kick a bucket away in their final moments. Over time, the expression has evolved to simply mean "to die," with the original morbid connotations largely forgotten. Regardless of its origin, the idiom has become a widely understood and commonly used phrase in the English language.