kick like a mule

1. Literally, to kick with great force, especially when trying to injure. The stallion kicked like a mule as the cowboy tried to clamber on. I started kicking like a mule as the officers began wrestling me to the ground.

2. By extension, to have a very powerful recoil. Usually used in reference to firearms. He didn't think the small revolver would pack much of a punch, but the little six-shooter kicked like a mule. Be careful handling that drill. It'll kick like a mule if it gets jammed.

3. To have a very intense taste or potency. Usually used in reference to alcohol, especially hard liquor. This stuff kicks like a mule, but it takes the edge off the cold as it goes down.

4. To protest loudly or vehemently against something. She kicked like a mule when we tried to put her into that boarding school. I personally didn't mind the decision, but I know a lot of people in the company are kicking like mules about it.

kick like a mule

and kick like a steer

to kick very hard. They say that ostriches will kick like a mule if you bother them. Stay away from the back end of Tom's horse. It will kick like a steer when a stranger comes up.