kick their asses

USAGE SUMMARY

"kick their asses" is not correct and is not typically usable in written English.
If you want to express the same sentiment in a more formal way, you could express it as "take strong action against them". For example: "The government had to take strong action against the protesters in order to put an end to the violence".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The home side appeared headed for a cruisy win when Reynolds set up Josh Jackson to kick their lead out to 12 points in the 53rd minute.

The Guardian - Sport

There ain't nothing like taking on the Irish Catholics under the lights, on national television, in front of a prime-time audience, and especially after a recent history of kicking their butt (10 out of the last 15 appearances).

Huffington Post

But both are keen to kick their habit, and have joined 800 others in a controversial heroin-prescription programme.

The Economist

Most European leagues have either just kicked off or are about to kick off their 10-month seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Joe: We know parents that have kicked their kids out at 16.

Vice

To emphasize the point, teams are penalized twice for one misstep: they concede 2 points, then must kick from their 20-yard line.

The New York Times - Sports

In Cullman, Ala., they'll be throwing back sparkling apple cider when they kick off their 10-day Oktoberfest on Sept. 30.

The New York Times

The Stones announced this week that they'll kick off their 50 and Counting tour in Los Angeles; the date will be announced later.

Independent

Pro12 champions the Ospreys travel to Treviso's Stadio Monigo  to kick off their 2012-13 title defence on Friday, 31 August.

BBC

Having recently relocated the West Philadelphia, the duo will kick off their 22-city East Coast tour on Valentine's Day.

Huffington Post

Along the way he rustles up a brisk, bracing, slice-of-life drama, a casual portrait of late-60s "suedeheads" kicking their heels and dreaming of escape.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using the phrase "kick their asses". Opt for more professional alternatives like "defeat them decisively" or "gain victory over them".

Common error

Using "kick their asses" in business emails or academic papers can damage your credibility. Always consider your audience and the context before using such informal language.

Linguistic Context

"Kick their asses" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a desire or intention to defeat someone decisively. However, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is not considered grammatically correct or suitable for formal contexts, restricting its usage to informal settings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kick their asses" is an informal idiom used to express a desire to defeat someone decisively. However, Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically incorrect for formal writing and is considered vulgar. It's best suited for casual conversations among close acquaintances. In professional or academic settings, opting for alternatives like ""defeat them soundly"" or ""gain victory over them"" is advisable to maintain credibility and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defeat them soundly

Replaces the aggressive slang with a more formal and neutral term for winning decisively.

beat them decisively

Similar to "defeat them soundly", but uses "beat" which maintains some of the original's intensity.

wipe the floor with them

Maintains the informal tone but uses a different idiom to express a thorough defeat.

trounce them

A single word that means to defeat decisively, offering a slightly more elevated vocabulary.

take them to the cleaners

Suggests a complete and utter defeat, especially in a competitive context.

dominate them

Focuses on overwhelming control and superiority in the situation.

overcome them

Indicates successfully dealing with opponents, but is less aggressive and more focused on achievement.

conquer them

Suggests complete and total victory, implying a significant power difference.

gain victory over them

A formal and somewhat verbose alternative, emphasizing the act of achieving victory.

prevail against them

Highlights overcoming challenges and succeeding against opposition.

FAQs

What does "kick their asses" mean?

The phrase "kick their asses" is an informal and vulgar idiom that means to defeat someone thoroughly or decisively. It implies an aggressive and dominant victory.

Is it appropriate to use "kick their asses" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "kick their asses" is highly inappropriate for formal writing. Use more professional alternatives like "defeat them soundly" or "gain victory over them".

What are some less vulgar alternatives to "kick their asses"?

Some less vulgar alternatives include "beat them decisively", "trounce them", or "dominate them". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Can I use "kick their asses" in a casual conversation?

While "kick their asses" is acceptable in some casual conversations, be mindful of your audience and the situation. It's generally best to avoid using vulgar language around people you don't know well or in professional settings.