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Kick the Bucket
To "Kick the Bucket" means to die or recently passed away. This phrase is usually in reference to people but has spread to include animals and objects as well.

The origin of the phrase "to kick the bucket" is unclear although there are several theories. A common theory is that the phrase originated with hanging, either by execution or suicide, where a person would be hanging from a branch or beam and be standing on a bucket. When the bucket would be kicked away, the person hanging would die.

Another theory, set forth by the Reverend Abbot Home in "Relics of Popery", stated that following Catholic custom, a holy-water bucket would be placed at the foot of the person recently deceased and mourners would sprinkle the body with this water.

Yet another theory has to do with the butchering of animals such as pigs. Pigs were usually hung from a beam after having been slaughtered. The beams were sometimes referred to as buckets, and additionally, buckets were sometimes used to catch the blood draining from the pig.

While theories of the origin of the phrase differ, the meaning has not changed since it's earliest appearance which was in the "Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" published in 1785.

Use Example - Mary's old dog is very ill, it seems he is going to kick the bucket any day now.

Source Tags : Books     Concept Tags : Death