The phrase "kick heels" is commonly used to refer to the act of dancing or engaging in joyful movement. Despite its frequency of use, the spelling may be confusing to some individuals. The word "kick" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of "kɪk" while "heels" is spelled with "hiːlz." This suggests that there is no pronounced relationship between the two words in terms of phonetics, emphasizing the importance of learning the correct spelling for clear communication.
To "kick heels" is an idiomatic expression that refers to an act of waiting impatiently or idling one's time away, usually due to boredom or frustration. This phrase stems from the metaphorical image of someone kicking their heels repeatedly in an agitated manner while standing still or moving in a restricted space.
The term implies a sense of impatience and restlessness, suggesting a desire for action or forward progress. It is often used to describe situations where individuals find themselves unable to engage in meaningful activities or tasks, leading to a sense of wasted time and energy. The person feels a strong urge to be productive or involved in something more engaging but finds themselves idle instead.
This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as waiting for an appointment, enduring a monotonous job, or being stuck in an uneventful situation. It encapsulates the feeling of being unproductive and eager for change or activity. "Kick heels" can also imply a sense of frustration or annoyance at the circumstances one finds themselves in, resulting in a strong desire to move on or find a better alternative.
Overall, "kick heels" is a figurative expression that vividly portrays the restlessness and impatience one experiences when waiting or being unproductively idle.
The phrase "kick up one's heels" means to enjoy oneself, let loose, or have fun. This expression originated from the behavior of horses. When a horse is happy or excited, it may kick its heels up in joy or playfulness. This action gave rise to the figurative meaning for humans of engaging in carefree or exuberant behavior. The etymology of the word "kick" can be traced back to the Old English word "cycan" or "cicen", which means "to kick". "Heels" refer to the rear part of the feet, and in this context, it emphasizes the action of kicking or jumping.