Kick-the-bucket Definition
verb
(idiomatic, euphemistic, colloquial) To die.
The old horse finally kicked the bucket.
Wiktionary
(idiomatic, colloquial) Of a machine, to break down such that it cannot be repaired.
I think my sewing machine has kicked the bucket.
Wiktionary
Origin of Kick-the-bucket
-
The OED describes as more plausible the archaic use of "bucket" as a beam from which a pig is hung by its feet prior to being slaughtered. To kick the bucket, then, originally signified the pig's death throes;
From Wiktionary
-
A person standing on a pail or bucket with their head in a slip noose would kick the bucket so as to commit suicide. The OED, however, says this is mainly speculative;
From Wiktionary
Related Articles
Kick-the-bucket Is Also Mentioned In
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to kick-the-bucket using the buttons below.