kicking and screaming

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