What is the Idiom Kick the bucket? Origin and usage in communication

In English communication, many idioms carry metaphorical humorous or unexpected meanings. One notable example is kick the bucket. While it may sound amusing at first, this idiom actually means something quite different and may confuse learners who are not familiar with the context. So, what does kick the bucket mean, where does it come from, and how can you use it appropriately in daily conversation? Let's explore with IDP below.

Kick the bucket means to die, commonly used in informal or humorous speech to avoid directly mentioning death. It is considered a euphemism or slang expression that softens the seriousness of the topic.

Examples:

• My old car finally kicked the bucket after 20 years.

• If I kick the bucket before you, please make sure my plants are watered.

The exact origin of kick the bucket is still debated. Here are the two most common theories:

1. Hanging theory:

One popular theory links the idiom to suicide or execution by hanging. The person would stand on an overturned bucket, tie a noose around their neck, and then kick the bucket away to end their life. Thus, “kick the bucket” metaphorically became associated with dying.

2. Slaughterhouse theory:

Another theory comes from animal slaughtering. Pigs would be hung upside down from a wooden frame (sometimes called a bucket). As they struggled and kicked before dying, the act of kicking the bucket became symbolic of the final moments before death.

The idiom first appeared in print in the 18th century. In The Grose Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose (1785), kick the bucket is defined simply as to die.

Kick the bucket is used as a verb phrase, often in past or future tense to refer to death in a casual or humorous tone.

Common structure: Subject + kick the bucket

Example:

• I hope I do not kick the bucket before I get to travel the world.

Important notes:

• Do not use in formal situations: Avoid using kick the bucket in formal writing, official speeches, legal contexts, or when expressing condolences. Instead, use expressions like pass away, die, or rest in peace.

• Be context-sensitive: Depending on the listener and situation, this idiom may be seen as disrespectful. Use it cautiously in informal contexts.

• Can be used for machines or animals: Though primarily used for people, it can also describe machines that have broken down or pets that have died.

• Avoid in IELTS Speaking test: While idioms may boost your score for vocabulary, using overly informal phrases like kick the bucket could hurt your performance if used in the wrong context.

Trong tiếng Anh, có rất nhiều thành ngữ và cụm từ khác cũng được sử dụng để nói về cái chết, mỗi cụm từ mang một sắc thái và mức độ trang trọng khác nhau. Dưới đây là những cụm từ và thành ngữ đồng nghĩa với Kick the bucket:

Từ và cụm từ đồng nghĩa với Kick the bucket (Synonyms)

Các cụm từ dùng thay thế trong văn phong trang trọng (IELTS Writing hoặc phỏng vấn):

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks using kick the bucket or its synonyms.

1. After a long and fulfilling life, the renowned artist __________ at the age of 95.

2. The company almost __________ during the economic crisis, but recovered.

3. He always joked that he would __________ on a mountain climbing trip.

4. My grandmother __________ peacefully in her sleep last night.

5. My grandfather listed the places he wanted to visit before he __________.

6. Many brave soldiers __________ fighting for their country.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences replacing the underlined part with kick the bucket (informal usage).

1. My grandfather always joked about the things he wanted to do before he died. → My grandfather always joked about the things he wanted to do before he __________.

2. The old car is making a terrible noise; I think it's about to stop working. → The old car is making a terrible noise; I think it’s about to __________.

3. If I pass away before you, please look after my dog. → If I __________ before you, please look after my dog.

4. After 10 years, my beloved pet cat finally passed away peacefully. → After 10 years, my beloved pet cat finally __________ peacefully.

Answers:

Exercise 1

1. passed away

2. almost kicked the bucket

3. kick the bucket

4. passed away

5. kicked the bucket

6. bit the dust

Exercise 2

1. kicked the bucket

2. kick the bucket

3. kick the bucket

4. kicked the bucket

Use Kick the Bucket Wisely in Context

Kick the bucket is a humorous idiom often used in casual speech to refer to death indirectly. Despite its light tone and fascinating origin, it is best avoided in formal settings like the IELTS exam. Instead, learning multiple expressions helps enrich your vocabulary and choose the right words for every situation.

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