"Kick down the door" means to force one's way into something literally or figuratively. It can also mean making a solid impression, overcoming an obstacle, or achieving something difficult.

In short:

• It means to forcefully enter something, either in a physical or a metaphorical sense.
• It can also mean making one's presence known, overcoming a challenge, or accomplishing something hard.

What Does "Kick Down the Door" Mean?

The idiom "kick down the door" has two primary meanings:

• The first meaning is to force one's way into something, usually by breaking down a door with a kick. This can be done literally, as in the case of emergency services or law enforcement who need to enter a locked or barricaded place, or figuratively, as in the case of someone who wants to access an opportunity, a market, or a field that is closed or restricted to them.
• The second meaning is to make a strong impression, significantly positively or impressively. This can be done by showing one's skills, talents, achievements, or personality in a way that attracts attention, admiration, or respect.

Where Does "Kick Down the Door" Come From?

This expression's origin is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The idiom likely has its roots in kicking down a door, often done by police officers, firefighters, or criminals who need to enter a place quickly or forcefully. From there, its symbolic meaning and variations evolved.

10 Examples of "Kick Down the Door" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "kick down the door" in different sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

• Oh my gosh! The police had to kick down the door of the suspect's apartment after he refused to open it.
• Yaas! She kicked down the door of the fashion industry with her innovative and original designs.
• Oh, snap. He was so angry that he kicked down the door of his boss's office and quit his job.
• She kicked down the door of her fears and finally lived the dream of becoming a writer.
• He kicked down the door of his personal best and came through in the clutch during the marathon.
• Way to go! She kicked down the door of injustice and fought for her rights in court.
• Taylor kicked down the door of the music industry with her debut album, which sold millions of copies.
• He kicked down the door of his ex-girlfriend's home and demanded to see their son.
• Tom had to kick down the door of his car after it got stuck in a snowstorm. That sucks.
• Holy cow! They kicked down the door of the old library and found a treasure map hidden in a book.

Examples of "Kick Down the Door" in Pop Culture

The idiom "kick down the door" has also appeared in various forms of popular culture.

Here are some examples:

• In 1997, rapper Notorious B.I.G. released a song called "Kick in the Door," a diss track aimed at his rivals. The song samples a line from the 1974 film The Gambler, where a character says, "I'm gonna kick in the door, wave in the four-four."
• In 1988, action star Bruce Willis starred in Die Hard, a film about a police officer fighting a group of terrorists who have taken over a skyscraper. In one scene, Willis "kicks down a door" and shoots a terrorist hiding behind it.
• In 2005, the drama series Grey's Anatomy premiered on A.B.C. The show follows the lives and careers of a group of doctors at a hospital. In one episode, actress Sandra Oh "kicks down a door" and says, "I am Preston Burke's guy!"

Other Ways to Say "Kick Down the Door"

Here are some examples of "kick down the door" variations:

• To break into something
• To bust in or bust out something
• To storm into or storm out something
• To blow away something
• To smash something

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Kick Down the Door"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom "kick down the door" and their answers:

• What does "kick down the door" mean?

"Kick down the door" means to force one's way into something literally or figuratively. It can also mean making a solid impression, overcoming an obstacle, or achieving something difficult.

• What is the origin of "kick down the door"?

This expression's origin is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The idiom likely has its roots in "kicking down a door," often done by police officers, firefighters, or criminals who need to enter a place quickly or forcefully. From there, its symbolic meaning and variations evolved.

• Can "kick down the door" be used literally?

Yes, it can literally describe breaking down a door with a kick. This can be done by police officers, firefighters, criminals, or anyone who needs to enter a place quickly or forcefully.

• Can "kick down the door" be used figuratively?

Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe forcing one's way into something closed or restricted to them, such as an opportunity, a market, or a field. It can also make a solid impression on someone or something with their skills, talents, achievements, or personality.

• Is "kick down the door" a positive or negative expression?

It depends on the context and tone of the speaker. It can be positive if used to describe overcoming an obstacle, achieving something difficult, or making a solid impression. It can be damaging if it is used to describe breaking into something illegally, confronting someone aggressively, or causing damage or harm.

• What are some antonyms for "kick down the door"?

Some antonyms for "kick down the door" are "knock on the door," "wait in line," "ask for permission," and "repair something."

• How can I use "kick down the door" in a sentence?

You can use "kick down the door" in a sentence by following this structure: Subject + kick(s) down the door + of + object.

• What are some synonyms for "kick down the door"?

Some synonyms for "kick down the door" are "break into something," "bust in or bust out something," "storm into or storm out something," "blow away something," "smash something," etc.

• What are some other idioms that involve "doors"?

Some other idioms that involve doors are "to close the door on something," "to open the door to something," "to leave the door open," "to show someone the door," and "to hold the door.

• What are some other phrases that involve "kicking"?

Some other phrases that involve kicking are "kick the bucket," "kick up a fuss," "kick the habit," and "kick someone when they are down."

Final Thoughts About "Kick Down the Door"

The idiom "kick down the door" is a powerful and expressive way of describing someone or something that achieves a remarkable feat or breaks a barrier in a particular field or domain. It conveys a sense of force, determination, and courage, as well as a willingness to challenge the status quo and defy expectations.

In summary:

• It means to force one's way into something literally or figuratively.
• It can also mean making a strong impression, overcoming an obstacle, or achieving something difficult.
• It comes from the action of breaking down a door with a kick.
• It can be used in various contexts and situations.
• It has some variations and related expressions.