kick over the traces

present singular third person kicks over the traces · participle present kicking over the traces · participle past kicked over the traces · past kicked over the traces

1. UKdatedinformalTo rebel against authority; to defy orders or instructions.

   Near-synonym: kick against the pricks

   1 more example

   1920, A. E. W. Mason, The Summons, XXX: A Revolution in Sir Chichester, "I remember that she once said to me, 'Women do get the worst of it when they kick over the traces,'" Hillyard resumed. "And undoubtedly they do. On the other hand you have McKerrel's hard-headed verdict, 'If these poor neurotic bodies had any work to do they wouldn't have so much time to worry about their troubles.' Who shall choose between them? And what does it matter now? Stella's gone. She will strain her poor little unhappy heart no more against the bars."

   Synonyms: kick against the pricks

2. UKdatedinformalTo live overextravagantly; to come to grief by fast living.

   Near-synonyms: live large, live beyond one's means, live high on the hog

   Synonyms: live large, live beyond one's means, live high on the hog