kick it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick it’ mean?
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on a kick" means to be extremely interested or obsessed with something for a specific period of time.
The idiom "let loose" means to allow someone or something to be free or unleashed. It can also mean to relax, have fun, or engage in uninhibited behavior. This expression is often used to describe a release of emotion or energy.
The idiom "knock it off" means to stop a certain behavior or to cease doing something annoying or inappropriate.
The idiom "kick the habit" means to stop or break a bad or addictive behavior or addiction. It can refer to giving up smoking, drugs, or any other negative habit.
The idiom "kick the can down the road" means to delay or postpone addressing a problem or making a decision, often because it is difficult or unpopular to do so at the present time.
The idiom "kick some tires" means to inspect or evaluate something, typically a product or a potential deal, before making a decision. It implies a thorough examination or assessment to ensure reliability or quality.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
Decoding the Expression
The primary meaning of "kick it" is to relax, hang out, or spend time casually. It is often used to describe engaging in leisure activities or spending time with friends. This idiom is considered an informal expression and is commonly used in casual conversations, particularly among younger generations. It is frequently used in spoken language rather than formal writing.
While the exact origin of the idiom is unknown, it has become a recognizable and widely used phrase in American English. Its usage has extended beyond the spoken language and can be found in various forms of media and popular culture. From music lyrics to movie dialogues, "kick it" has solidified its place in the lexicon of American idiomatic expressions.
"Kick it" also has variations such as "kick back" and "kick the bucket". "Kick back" refers to relaxing or taking it easy, while "kick the bucket" is a euphemism for dying. These related idioms have different meanings but share the common use of the word "kick".
When you "kick it", you're essentially kicking your heels. This phrase, "kick one's heels," is another idiom that means to wait or pass time idly. It can also imply a sense of impatience or frustration while waiting.
Similarly, when you "kick it", you can also "kick loose". This idiom means to let go, release, or break free from constraints or obligations. It can refer to letting loose and having fun, or it can signify breaking away from a situation or relationship.
The idiom "kick it" has gained popularity over the years and is used widely in American pop culture, music, movies, and literature. It has become a part of everyday language, allowing individuals to express themselves and communicate in a casual and friendly manner.
The versatility of "kick it" lies in its ability to convey different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Whether you're kicking it with friends, kicking back to relax, or kicking loose from responsibilities, this idiom has become a go-to expression for many.
When it comes to using "kick it" in conversations, it's important to remember to keep it informal and conversational. Use simple words and phrasing to maintain a friendly and approachable tone. Avoid using transitional phrases and get straight to the point.
For example, instead of saying "Let's kick it at the soccer game!", you can say "Let's go and kick it at the soccer game!". This conveys the same idea in a more conversational and relaxed manner.
"kick it" is a widely used idiom in American English with multiple meanings. Its primary definition is to relax, hang out, or spend time casually. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has gained popularity over the years and is commonly used in informal contexts among friends and in popular culture. It can also be related to idioms like "kick one's heels" and "kick loose", which respectively mean to wait idly and to break free from constraints. Overall, "kick it" is a versatile and expressive phrase that adds a sense of informality and friendliness to conversations.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "kick it" can be used in a sentence:
- 1. After a long day at work, I just want to kick it with my friends and relax.
- 2. Let's kick it up a notch and make this party unforgettable!
- 3. My favorite way to kick it is by watching a good movie and enjoying a bowl of popcorn.
More "verb" idioms
