kick one's heels
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb phrase: - To wait idly or impatiently, often for a long time and with nothing productive to do; to be forced to wait with nothing to occupy oneself.
Usage
This phrase describes the experience of being made to wait, usually against one's will, resulting in boredom or frustration. It implies the time spent waiting is wasted or unproductive. - I had to kick my heels in the reception area for nearly an hour before the interview. - The train was delayed, so we were left kicking our heels on the platform.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a connotation of slight annoyance or restlessness due to the involuntary and pointless nature of the wait.
- It can be used in various tenses by conjugating the verb "kick".
- He is kicking his heels outside the manager's office. (Present Continuous)
- They kicked their heels all morning. (Past Simple)
Variants and Related Words
- Cool one's heels: A very similar idiom with an identical meaning—to be kept waiting.
- I spent the afternoon cooling my heels in the waiting room.
Synonyms
- Wait around: To wait, especially for a long time or in a casual manner.
- Twiddle one's thumbs: To do nothing while waiting for something to happen.
- Languish: To be forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation (a more formal/literary synonym for the state of being).
Related Idioms
- Hurry up and wait: A phrase describing a situation where one is rushed to be ready, only to then have to wait a long time. This captures the same frustrating experience as "kicking one's heels."
- Military life often involves a lot of 'hurry up and wait'.
Verb
- wait or pass the time aimlessly or futilely; be kept waiting
- She kicked her heels for hours at the gate of the Embassy