To resist, protest, or struggle against something, especially rules, authority, or circumstances one cannot control.
To fight or complain about something, even if you probably can't change it.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To resist or show opposition to authority, rules, or an unwanted situation.
"As a teenager, she constantly kicked against the strict rules her parents had set."
"You will find it hard to kick against the pricks."
— Acts 9:5, King James Bible
To struggle against circumstances or fate, often hopelessly.
"There's no point in kicking against the decision — it's already been made at the top."
To kick your foot against a physical object.
To fight or complain about something, even if you probably can't change it.
Often used when the resistance is emotional or instinctive rather than organised. Can imply the struggle is futile. Common in British English. Related to the biblical phrase 'kick against the pricks' (Acts 9:5), meaning to resist futilely.
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