Kicking on 🦵⚙️
Meaning
To continue to function or operate, often despite age or wear.
Origin
Imagine a trusty old car, sputtering and coughing, but somehow still chugging along. That's the essence of 'kicking on.' The 'kick' here isn't necessarily literal, but more about that burst of energy or persistence needed to keep going. Think of it like a stubborn engine that, with a few defiant kicks (or perhaps just a prayer), fires up and continues its journey. It evokes a sense of resilience, of refusing to give up even when the odds are stacked against it, like an old soldier still standing tall on the battlefield.
Kicking on represented with emoji🦵⚙️
This playful juxtaposition of a human limb and a mechanical component, 🦵⚙️, functions as a delightful commentary on perseverance. It not only highlights the enduring spirit of functionality but also invites us to consider the surprising resilience found in the seemingly worn and weary. Note how the simple combination evokes a sense of persistent motion, reminding us that even with age or wear, the drive to 'keep going' can be a powerful and enduring force.
Examples
- My old car is still kicking on, even with all those miles.
- Despite its age, the ancient radio managed to keep kicking on.
- The little engine, powered by dandelion fluff and hope, was still kicking on.
- Even though it was cobbled together with twigs and sheer willpower, the contraption was stubbornly kicking on.
Frequently asked questions
"Kicking on" is generally considered an informal idiom, often used in casual conversation or writing to describe something persisting beyond its expected lifespan or prime. Its figurative nature makes it unsuited for very formal contexts.
The opposite of "kicking on" would be phrases like 'giving up the ghost,' 'packing it in,' or simply 'breaking down,' all of which signify a complete cessation of function or operation. These express a failure to persevere.
Yes, "kicking on" can absolutely be used metaphorically for people, especially when referring to someone continuing to work, perform, or live with resilience despite age or challenges. It highlights their tenacity and refusal to quit.
Often, yes; the phrase "kicking on" inherently suggests that what is 'kicking on' is doing so with some effort or despite factors that would normally cause it to stop. It evokes a sense of resilience in the face of adversity.