more kicks than halfpence

obsolete More abuse, insults, or harsh treatment than good treatment or rewards. Primarily heard in UK. As a cabbie on these streets, you're greeted with more kicks than halfpence at this hour of the night. Seeing that I would get more kicks than halfpence if I remained, I took my leave and absconded to the shore for a bit of merriment.

more kicks than halfpence

more harsh treatment than rewards. informal, dated

more ˈlike (it)

(informal)
1 better; more satisfactory: This is more like it! Fresh vegetables — not that canned rubbish. ♢ Turn the music up louder! That’s more like it!
2 used to give what you think is a better description of something: ‘How many people were there — about 40?’ ‘No, more like 20.’ ♢ Just talking? Arguing more like it.