The Village Idiom

kick out

The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.

Filed under K

In a sentence

  • After causing a disturbance at the party, he was kicked out by the host.
  • The principal threatened to kick out any student caught cheating on the exam.
  • My roommate failed to pay the rent for months, and now we may be kicked out of our apartment.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "kick out" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means removing or forcing someone to leave a particular place or situation. This idiom suggests physically kicking or physically ejecting someone from a location. The phrase "kick out" is believed to have its roots in the act of forcibly removing someone by using physical force, typically through the action of kicking.

The idiom "kick out" can be used in various contexts and scenarios. It can refer to evicting someone from a house or property, expelling someone from a school or organization, or even dismissing someone from a job or position. In all these cases, the idiom implies a forceful, abrupt, and often unwelcome removal of an individual from a place or position they previously occupied.

The idiom "throw out" is a related expression that can be used interchangeably with "kick out". It carries a similar meaning of physically removing or ejecting someone from a place or situation. For example, one might say, "He was thrown out of the party for causing a disturbance." This usage emphasizes the forceful and abrupt nature of the removal.

The idiom "drive out" is another synonym for "kick out" that conveys a forceful removal or expulsion. It implies forcefully compelling someone to leave a place or situation. For instance, one might say, "The protesters were driven out of the city by the police." This usage highlights the use of force or coercion to remove individuals.

The idiom "kick loose" is another related expression that can be used to describe forcefully ejecting or removing someone. It implies a sudden and decisive separation from a particular place or situation. For instance, one might say, "They kicked him loose from the team after his poor performance." This usage emphasizes the quick and abrupt nature of the removal.

It is worth noting that the idiom "kick out" can also be used in a more playful or lighthearted manner, especially in informal conversations. In these contexts, it may be used to describe someone leaving a gathering or social event voluntarily. For instance, a person could say, "We had a great time at the party, but we decided to kick out around midnight." This usage is less forceful and more colloquial, reflecting a casual departure rather than a forced expulsion.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.