What does “Kick someone to the curb” mean?

"Kick someone to the curb" means to end a relationship or dismiss someone abruptly and without hesitation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After finding out about his infidelity, she decided to kick him to the curb.

Example

The boss kicked the lazy employee to the curb after multiple warnings.

Example

She had no patience for his disrespectful behavior and quickly kicked him to the curb

Is “Kick someone to the curb” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Kick someone to the curb” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Kick someone to the curb” effectively in context?

You can use "Kick someone to the curb" to describe ending a relationship or dismissing someone abruptly and without hesitation. It emphasizes the act of getting rid of someone or something unwanted. For example, if a friend is telling you about a toxic friendship, you might say, 'It sounds like it's time to kick them to the curb and surround yourself with positive people.'

1Relationships
After finding out about his infidelity, she decided to kick him to the curb.
2Work
The boss kicked the lazy employee to the curb after multiple warnings.
3Personal Boundaries
She had no patience for his disrespectful behavior and quickly kicked him to the curb.

Similar phrases to “Kick someone to the curb”:

Cut ties

To end a relationship or connection with someone

Example

After years of disappointment, she finally decided to cut ties with her toxic friend.

Give someone the boot

To dismiss or fire someone

Example

The manager gave the underperforming employee the boot.

Break up with

To end a romantic relationship with someone

Example

After months of fighting, they decided to break up with each other.

Let go

To release or dismiss someone from a job or position

Example

The company had to let go of several employees due to budget cuts.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Kick someone to the curb” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Kick someone to the curb" is unknown.

Is “Kick someone to the curb” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Kick someone to the curb" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe ending relationships or dismissing someone from a job or position.

What tone does “Kick someone to the curb” have?

"Kick someone to the curb" conveys a tone of decisiveness and finality. It implies that the action is swift and without hesitation.

Can “Kick someone to the curb” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "kick someone to the curb" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In more formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative expressions such as 'terminate a relationship' or 'dismiss someone from a position.'

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After discovering his lies, she decided to kick him to the curb.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "kick him to the curb"!' to imply the end of a relationship or dismissal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

end a relationship
dismiss someone
terminate a connection
get rid of someone
cut off ties

Antonyms

hire
reconcile
embrace
welcome back
reestablish a connection