kicking and screaming


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kicking and screaming

A phrase used to describe someone who has been forced (to go somewhere or do something) with extreme reluctance, especially despite lengthy or vehement protests. Often used in the phrase "dragged kicking and screaming." I really thought Mike would be perfect for the job, but he had to be dragged kicking and screaming into an interview for it. When we were kids, we were dragged kicking and screaming to our grandparents' boring old house every summer for two weeks.
See also: and, kick, scream

kicking and screaming

protesting vociferously, especially against being forced to accept innovations. informal
2004 Gramophone Magazine Some say he [ Pierre Boulez ] dragged the Philharmonic's generally conservative audience kicking and screaming into the harsh light of modernism.
See also: and, kick, scream
References in periodicals archive ?
He said: "The shock kicked in and she started kicking and screaming, asking, 'Where's my mommy?
Bus fall girl is in safe hands
Today that kicking and screaming is mostly directed at her - by the politicians she writes about, with rarely a good word for anyone (there could be exceptions).
About Sujata Anandan
Outing is back," declared an article in the San Francisco Chronicle--that controversial practice from the 1980's whereby famous gay people would be dragged out of the closet kicking and screaming by some pissed-off gay journalist or ACT-UP member.
But the thrill is gone
which then is followed by the adult taking charge of the situation and the children following kicking and screaming.
Why Should I?
Mum Georgeann Baxter added: "He picked her up, his hand over her mouth, but she was kicking and screaming.
Brave girl of 7 fights off store kidnapper
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