Kick Ass/Butt 🍑
Definition: Assert one’s authority with vigor; to demonstrate strong, decisive behavior in enforcing one’s will. Originating from military slang in the mid-20th century, this phrase has since bulldozed its way into everyday vernacular.
Synonyms:
- Lay down the law
- Take charge
- Lay the smackdown
- Call the shots
- Put the foot down
Antonyms:
- Give up
- Concede defeat
- Stand down
- Show weakness
- Play dead
Use in a Sentence:
- “When Carla took over the project, she really kicked ass and finished it two weeks early.”
- “If you want to motivate a team effectively, sometimes you need to kick a little butt.”
Humor-filled Quote:
“You never know how strong you are until kicking butt is your only choice.” — Fictitious wisdom by Carol Kickasso.
Proverb:
“Actions speak louder than words – especially when you’re kicking ass.”
Related Expressions:
- “Shape up or ship out” 👟✈️
- “Put the hammer down” 🔨
- “Run a tight ship” 🚢
- “Crack the whip” 🐎
- “Show who’s boss” 💼
Similar Idioms:
- “Take the bull by the horns” 🐂
- “Get the ball rolling” ⚽
- “Show the ropes” 🪢
Recommended Reads, Media, and More 📚🎬
Books:
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu 📖
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
- Kick Ass: Selected Columns by Carl Hiaasen 💪
Movies:
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 💃🔪
- Rocky 🥊
- The Devil Wears Prada 👠📸
Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor 🐅
- “Stronger” by Kanye West 💪
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen 👊
Poetry:
- “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
- “If—” by Rudyard Kipling
Quizzes: How Well Do You Know Your Power Phrases? 🧩
### Which of these phrases means to assert oneself powerfully?
- [ ] Feather your nest
- [x] Kick butt
- [ ] Walk on eggshells
- [ ] Cry over spilt milk
> **Explanation:** "Kick butt" is the only phrase that means to assert oneself with authority. The others are mostly about being cautious or regretful.
### Identify the idiom used correctly.
- [ ] She had to kick the can down the road and leave.
- [ ] She kicked the bucket when asked to help.
- [x] She kicked butt in the meeting and got the promotion.
- [ ] She was as busy as kicking butt on weekends.
> **Explanation:** "She kicked butt in the meeting and got the promotion" uses the idiom correctly, implying she enforced her authority or performed exceptionally well.
### True or False: 'Kick ass' originally came from culinary slang.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. It originated from military slang in the mid-20th century, not from culinary slang.
### Which idiom conveys taking strong action?
- [ ] Pass the buck
- [x] Kick ass
- [ ] Beat around the bush
- [ ] Hit the hay
> **Explanation:** "Kick ass" conveys taking decisive or strong action, while the others imply avoidance or rest.
Stay bold, stay strong, and remember: Sometimes, life calls for a little butt-kicking. — Mighty Wordsworth 👋✨
