Kick oneself - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：kick oneself (Kick oneself)

Kick oneself 🔊

/kɪk wʌnˈsɛlf/

v. phr.

To be very angry with yourself because you did something silly or missed a good chance.

kick oneself 🔊

➕

/kɪk wʌnˈsɛlf/

v. phr.

To feel strong regret or anger towards oneself after making a foolish mistake or missing an opportunity.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Literal self-kick, figuratively meaning self-reproach.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine actually kicking your own leg after a silly mistake – the physical pain reminds you of regret.

📖 Example

After the test, I kicked myself for forgetting the easy question I had reviewed. 🔊 After the test, I kicked myself for forgetting the easy question I had reviewed.

🔗 Collocations

kick oneself for – blame oneself because of

kick oneself over – regret something intensely

almost kick oneself – nearly feel extreme regret

🔄 Synonyms

reproach oneself (v. phr.) – To express disapproval or disappointment with oneself.

berate oneself (v. phr.) – To scold or criticize oneself harshly.

regret (v.) – To feel sad or sorry about a past action.

🚫 Antonyms

congratulate oneself (v. phr.) – To feel pride or satisfaction about one's actions.

be proud of oneself (v. phr.) – To have a positive self-regard for achievements.

📖 Cultural Story

Originated from the physical act of kicking oneself in frustration. Common in English since the 19th century to express regret for a missed opportunity.