What Does “Kick against sth” Mean?
“Kick against sth” means to resist or oppose something, often with frustration or anger. It is used when someone objects strongly to a rule, idea, or situation.
Introduction
The phrase “kick against sth” is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone resists or fights against something, often with a sense of frustration or helplessness. The “sth” stands for “something,” and this phrase can be applied to a variety of contexts, whether in everyday conversations or more formal discussions. Understanding the “kick against sth” meaning helps learners grasp how to express disagreement or resistance in a natural way. It is not always about physical kicking but more about emotional or mental opposition. This phrase often appears in literature, speeches, and dialogues to highlight conflict or struggle.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: kick against sth (kick against something)
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To resist or oppose something strongly, often in vain
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Kick against sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition with the object. The structure is always:
- Subject + kick + against + something
Example pattern:
- He kicked against the new rules.
- They were kicking against the decision.
How to Use “Kick against sth”?
You use “kick against sth” when someone is strongly opposing or resisting something, often in a way that is either futile or causes frustration. It can describe emotional resistance to ideas, rules, or situations. This phrase is typically used in formal or literary contexts but can also appear in everyday speech to emphasize strong disagreement or struggle.
Examples
Imagine a person unhappy with a law they must follow but feels powerless to change it. They might be described as “kicking against the law.”
- She kicked against the unfair treatment at work but couldn’t change the system.
- The community is kicking against the new regulations that limit their activities.
- He always kicks against authority, which often causes problems.
- Many people kick against change because it feels uncomfortable.
- Even though he knew it was useless, he kept kicking against the rules.
These examples show “kick against sth in a sentence” to express resistance or opposition.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse “kick against sth” with literal kicking or use the phrase incorrectly by separating the verb and preposition or using the wrong preposition.
- Incorrect: She kicked the rules against.
- Correct: She kicked against the rules.
- Incorrect: They kicked for the law.
- Correct: They kicked against the law.
Remember, “kick against” is inseparable and always followed by “against.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases like “fight against,” “struggle with,” or “resist” also express opposition. However, “kick against sth” often implies a more emotional or frustrated resistance and sometimes a sense of futility.
- Fight against: More active and physical opposition.
- Struggle with: Can refer to internal or external challenges.
- Resist: General term for opposition, often more formal.
“Kick against sth” is less formal than “resist” but more figurative than “fight against.”
Common Collocations
People often use “kick against” with abstract nouns related to rules, authority, or ideas. Common collocations include:
- Rules: Opposing regulations or guidelines.
- Authority: Resisting those in power.
- Change: Fighting against new developments.
- Decision: Disagreeing with a choice made.
- Law: Objecting to legal requirements.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of kick against sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using “kick against sth”:
Anna: I don’t understand why you keep complaining about the new policy.
Ben: I’m just kicking against it because it feels unfair.
Anna: But have you tried talking to the manager?
Ben: I have, but it seems like kicking against the wind.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
He keeps __________ the new rules even though they are necessary.
- a) kicking against
- b) kicking off
- c) kicking out
- d) kicking in
Answer: a) kicking against
FAQs
- What does “kick against sth” mean? It means to resist or oppose something, often with frustration.
- Is “kick against sth” separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- Can I use “kick against” in everyday conversation? Yes, but it is more common in formal or literary contexts.
- What is a synonym for “kick against sth”? Resist, fight against, or struggle with.
- Is “kick against sth” always negative? Usually, it implies frustration or opposition, often seen as negative.
