The phrase "kicked over the traces" is spelled with /k/ /ɪ/ /kt/ for "kicked," /oʊ/ for "over," /ðə/ for "the," and /tʃ/ /eɪ/ /sɪz/ for "traces." The expression means to rebel or break free from conventions. The word "traces" in this context refers to the straps attached to a horse's harness, and "kicked over" implies that the animal has kicked these straps off and is no longer under control. It is a colloquial phrase that originated in horse racing but commonly used in general conversation.
The idiomatic expression "kicked over the traces" refers to a situation where someone rebels against authority or breaks free from established rules or constraints. The phrase originates from horse racing where the "traces" are the leather straps that connect a horse's harness to a carriage. When a horse "kicks over the traces," it violently jerks or pulls its harness out of place, thereby gaining freedom from control.
In a broader sense, "kicked over the traces" implies an individual's deliberate act of defying norms or conventions, often resulting in reckless or audacious behavior. It suggests a willful refusal to be bound by traditional rules, regulations, or societal expectations. Individuals who "kick over the traces" may exhibit unrestrained actions, adventurous behavior, or even rebellion against authority figures.
This expression can be used in various contexts, such as someone who defies their parents' restrictive rules, rebels against an oppressive government or institution, or rejects societal norms that they believe limit their personal freedom. It can also be applied metaphorically to describe someone who openly challenges accepted practices or breaks away from conventional thinking in business, politics, or any other field. "Kicked over the traces" denotes a figurative release from restrictions, often accompanied by an element of defiance or rebellion against the status quo.