WHat is the derivation of the phrase, “Kick the bucket,” meaning “died” ?
The bucket in the phrase “kick the bucket” could be a very large board that was once used for the slaughter of animals. The animal would be hung from his heels and when he died he would kick the bucket. Another theory is that it has to someone standing on a bucket to commit suicide. I think the first explanation is more logical. Most people don’t really consider what a person who hangs himself is standing on before he kicks it away and hangs himself.
