1
general::
Punish or discipline harshly; also, defeat soundly. For example, That foreman's furious; he's going to kick ass before the day is over, or Our team is out to kick ass today. [Vulgar slang; 1940s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): kick ass [and] kick butt
Sl. to actively motivate people to do something. • It looks like I’m going to have to kick ass to get people moving around here.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs