The spelling of the phrase "kicking over" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound, /k/, represents the voiceless velar stop, which is produced by stopping airflow at the back of the mouth. The second sound, /ɪ/, represents the short vowel sound in "it" or "in." The third and fourth sounds, /kɪŋ/, represent the nasal sound produced by the letter "n" followed by the voiceless velar stop. The final two sounds, /oʊvər/, represent the diphthong in "go" followed by the schwa sound in "together."
Kicking over refers to the act of forcefully overthrowing or disrupting a situation, often with the intention of causing chaos or disarray. This expression is a metaphorical representation of the physical action of kicking or knocking something, but applied to a figurative context.
In a literal sense, kicking over can involve violently toppling an object or structure, such as knocking over a stack of books or pushing over a domino setup. However, when used metaphorically, it typically signifies the deliberate act of subverting an established order or system. This can be seen in social or political contexts, where individuals or groups may engage in protests, revolutions, or rebellions to challenge existing power structures.
The term kicking over can also be used to describe actions that disrupt the normal course of events, causing unexpected changes or disturbances. For example, in a workplace setting, an employee might start a controversy or initiate a conflict that upsets routine operations. Similarly, in personal relationships or interpersonal dynamics, kicking over can involve the deliberate disruption of harmony or stability to bring attention to certain issues or grievances.
Overall, kicking over denotes the act of forcefully overturning or destabilizing a situation, often driven by a desire for change, agitation, or conflict. By using this metaphorical expression, it emphasizes the disruptive and transformative nature of the action, highlighting its potential to create significant impact and alteration.
The term "kicking over" does not have a specific separate etymology on its own. However, we can examine the etymology of the individual words "kick" and "over".1. Kick: The word "kick" originated in the late 14th century and can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kikna" and Middle English word "kiken", which meant "to strike out with the foot". It is likely related to the Proto-Germanic word "*kikkon" and the Old English word "cicen" meaning "a blow, stroke".2. Over: The word "over" has a long history in the English language. It comes from the Old English word "ofer", which has Germanic roots. It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European language and is related to words in various other languages, such as German "über" and Latin "super".