
IdiomBody & Senses
English
kicking and screaming
Meaning: Very reluctantly, protesting all the way.
Example: “The company was dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age.”
Origin: The image is of a child being dragged somewhere against its will. The phrase is common from the 20th century; its first use has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: À son corps défendant Literally: While defending one's body
More English idioms
- at someone's beck and call Always ready to obey someone's orders.
- hands down Easily; without question.
- like a bolt from the blue Completely unexpected, usually of bad news.
- set one's cap at To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
- the big leagues The highest, most competitive level of an activity.
- rich as Croesus Extremely wealthy.
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