kick the beam
To lack in weight, importance, or strength compared to another.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His small argument kicks the beam against the evidence.”
“My old laptop kicks the beam next to your new computer.”
“When you compare his experience to the senior manager's, his qualifications clearly kick the beam.”
“The local team's defensive strategy kicks the beam when they face the speed and power of the national champions.”
“Your short summary of the book kicks the beam compared to the deep analysis written by the professor.”
“In the final analysis of the historical records, the minor evidence provided by the witness kicks the beam when weighed against the overwhelming testimony of the experts.”
The expression references a loaded balance scale, specifically the moment an object is found so light that its side of the scale rises sharply and strikes the overhead cross-bar. This cross-bar was known as the beam. The movement indicated a significant lack of weight, or a failure to meet a standard, by which the lighter arm would fly up and kick the beam.
- 01
broad in the beam
Wide across the hips, with large buttocks.
- 02
get a kick out of
To be delighted by; to be amused by.
- 03
get one's kicks
To enjoy oneself, to have a good time.
- 04
kick a dog when it's down
To make things worse for someone in an adverse situation.
- 05
kick ass
To win decisively.
- 06
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.
- 07
kick at an open door
To carry out a redundant activity.
- 08
kick at the can
An attempt or an opportunity.
Last updated August 10, 2026