kick up one's heels — to enjoy oneself freely and without restraint; to have a good time celebrating or relaxing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to enjoy oneself freely and without restraint; to have a good time celebrating or relaxing
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɪk ʌp wʌnz hiːlz/
Example Sentences
- After working overtime for months, Tom finally kicked up his heels at the company party and danced like nobody was watching.
- The elderly couple decided to kick up their heels on their 50th anniversary cruise.
- When her strict parents went on vacation, the teenager couldn't wait to kick up her heels and throw a house party.
kick up one's heels
NOUN[/kɪk ʌp wʌnz hiːlz/]
to enjoy oneself freely and without restraint; to have a good time celebrating or relaxing
After finals ended, the students kick up their heels at the rooftop party.
Kick up your heels, enjoy how freedom feels with hearty meals!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom derives from the literal behavior of horses kicking up their hind hooves when joyful or excited. Adopted into English figurative speech by the 19th century, it evolved to describe a state of freedom, happiness, and carefree enjoyment.
Breakdown
kick (strike upward) + up (in an upward direction) + one's heels (the back part of the foot). The phrase literally means to thrust one's heels upward, metaphorically expressing unbridled joy and liberation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After working overtime for months, Tom finally kicked up his heels at the company party and danced like nobody was watching.”
“The elderly couple decided to kick up their heels on their 50th anniversary cruise.”
“When her strict parents went on vacation, the teenager couldn't wait to kick up her heels and throw a house party.”
“The retirement community organized a social night for residents to kick up their heels.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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