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The Collaborative International Dictionary
To kick the beam

Kick \Kick\ (k[i^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Kicked (k[i^]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. Kicking.] [W. cicio, fr. cic foot.]

  1. To strike, thrust, or hit violently with the foot; as, a horse kicks a groom; a man kicks a dog.

    He [Frederick the Great] kicked the shins of his judges.
    --Macaulay.

  2. To evict or remove from a place or position, usually with out or off; as, they kicked him off the staff; he was kicked out of the restaurant; the landlord kicked them out of the apartment for making too much noise.

  3. (Sport) To score (goals or points) by kicking; as, they kicked three field goals in the game.

  4. To discontinue; -- usually used of habitual activities; as, to kick a habit; he kicked his drug habit.

    To kick the beam, to fit up and strike the beam; -- said of the lighter arm of a loaded balance; hence, to be found wanting in weight.
    --Milton.

    To kick the bucket, to lose one's life; to die. [Colloq. & Low]

    To kick oneself, to experience strong regret; as, he kicked himself for not investing in the stock market in 199