Kick Up One’s Heels, To 🦵💃
Kick up one’s heels, to - To enjoy oneself exuberantly; to frolic. This term, which calls to mind a prancing horse or a vigorous dancer, originally meant to be knocked down or killed. Thomas Dekker used it in this sense in his play, The Honest Whore (1604): “I would not for a duckat she had kickt up her heeles.” The modern sense dates from the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Paint the town red: Go out and have an exciting time, often involving festive revelry.
- Live it up: Engage in lavish, extravagant activities.
- Let one’s hair down: Behave in an uninhibited or relaxed manner.
- Have a ball: Enjoy oneself tremendously.
Proverbs and Expressions:
- Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die: Enjoy life and its pleasures while you can.
- Dance like nobody’s watching: Live freely without worrying about judgment.
- Make hay while the sun shines: Seize the moment and take advantage of opportunities.
Common Phrases and Idioms:
- Blow off steam: Release pent-up energy or strong emotions.
- Paint the town blue: A night filled with emotional exploration or sadness.
- Go on a spree: Engage in a period of extreme activity, often shopping or spending.
Humor-Filled Quotes 📜:
- “I like to make people move their feet when they listen to my music.”—Sheriff John Stoltz, Fictitious Musician
- “When life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand a party!”—Ella Funtastic, Fictitious Party Planner
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies 📚🎶📖:
- Books: “The Roaring Twenties” by Itzy Merry - A deep dive into the decade known for its exuberant lifestyle.
- Songs: “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins - A classic track about letting go and dancing all night.
- Movies: “Mamma Mia!” – A joyous film filled with dancing and celebration.
- Poetry: “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson – A whimsical poem celebrating the delight of simple pleasures.
Quizzes 🔄
### Which idiom means to enjoy oneself excessively?
- [x] Kick up one's heels
- [ ] Butter one's bread
- [ ] Brush up on one's French
- [ ] Rain on one's parade
> **Explanation:** "Kick up one's heels" means to enjoy oneself exuberantly, whereas the others have different meanings.
### Which phrase suggests living lavishly?
- [ ] Beat around the bush
- [x] Live it up
- [ ] Hold your horses
- [ ] Jump the gun
> **Explanation:** "Live it up" means to engage in extravagant activities and thoroughly enjoy oneself.
### True or False: 'Kick up one's heels' originally referred to being knocked down or killed.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. Originally, it meant to be knocked down or killed, but it evolved to mean enjoying oneself exuberantly.
Thank you for kicking up your heels with us through this frolicking exploration of idioms! 🚀 Keep the spirit of exuberance alive and embrace the joy of language.
Authored with delight by Willa Witz, 2023-10-07. Remember, let’s never stop dancing! 🎉🕺✨
