the world's premier FREE website for learners + teachers of English

kick the bucket

This page is about the idiom kick the bucket.

Meaning: If someone kicks the bucket, they die.

For example:

  • When I kick the bucket, you can just bury me under a tree at the bottom of the garden.

  • Did you see the movie "Bucket List"? It's about these two old guys who make a list of all the things they want to do before they kick the bucket.

Origin: Possibly related to an old and outdated second meaning of the word "bucket", which was a wooden frame on which an animal was hung by the feet before being killed. While dying, the animal might struggle and "kick the bucket".

Quick Quiz:

Luke said that after he kicks the bucket, he wants to

a. go back to university

b. go to the pub for a drink

c. go to heaven

Idiom of the Day

This entry is in the following categories:

Contributor: Matt Errey