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Region: Global | Usage example: Traveling to Japan was on her bucket list.

Bucket list

Meaning

A list of goals to achieve before dying.

Usage

Used when referencing life goals.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Term coined in the 20th century referencing 'kick the bucket.'

Popularized after the 2007 film.

Related Idioms

A drop in the bucket

A very small part of something much larger.

Go the extra mile

Put in more effort than is required.

Lost in translation

Subtle meaning or nuance that does not survive translation from one language to another.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.