Meaning: This idiom is a euphemism for dying or passing away. It is a colloquial and somewhat humorous way to refer to someone’s death.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “He always joked that he would kick the bucket while skydiving, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.”
- “I don’t want to think about kicking the bucket anytime soon; I still have so much I want to do in life.”
- “She made a list of things she wanted to accomplish before kicking the bucket.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “kick the bucket” is uncertain, but it likely dates back to at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it originated from the idea of a person standing on a bucket with a noose around their neck as a method of committing suicide. The bucket would be kicked away, leading to the person’s death by hanging. Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the idea of slaughtering animals, where they would kick the bucket placed underneath them just before dying. Over time, the idiom “kick the bucket” became a common and somewhat humorous way to refer to someone’s death, often used in informal conversation.
