kick off: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick off’ mean?
The idiom "kick off" means to start or begin something, often forcefully or enthusiastically. It can also refer to the moment a game or event begins.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let's get the party started" means to begin or start an event or activity in an exciting and lively way, typically referring to a social gathering or celebration.
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 loose" means to break free or detach from a situation or person. It implies a desire for independence and liberation.
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.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
The idiom "kicking boots" refers to a person who is in a state of great energy, enthusiasm, or readiness to take action.
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "kick butt" means to take strong, decisive action or to defeat someone or something decisively. It is often used to describe a forceful or aggressive manner of accomplishing a task or overcoming an obstacle.
The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.
Dynamic Origins
The idiom "kick off" has several meanings and uses in the English language.
Firstly, "kick off" is commonly used in sports to refer to the starting moment of a game or a match. The phrase originated in the late 19th century and can be traced back to the sport of football (soccer). It refers to the act of kicking the ball to start the game. This literal meaning has been extended metaphorically to other areas of life to indicate the beginning or initiation of an event, activity, or process.
Another usage of "kick off" is in informal conversations, where it can mean to start or begin something abruptly or forcefully. For example, one might say, "Let's start this meeting with a brief introduction." In this sense, the idiom implies a sense of suddenness and energy in getting things started.
Furthermore, "kick off" is also used figuratively with negative connotations to describe a disruptive or chaotic situation. It can refer to a disagreement, conflict, or even a riot. For instance, one might say, "The protest rally began with clashes between demonstrators and the police." This usage emphasizes the intensity and disorderliness of the situation.
Additionally, "kick off" can be related to the idiom "kick in". "Kick in" means to contribute or provide support in a situation. For example, in a team project, each member could be asked to "kick in" their ideas and efforts to ensure a successful outcome. The phrase "kick in" signifies the collective contribution and collaboration of individuals in achieving a shared goal.
In addition to its literal and figurative meanings, "kick off" can also be used in a slang context. In certain dialects, particularly in the United Kingdom, "kick off" can mean to become angry or lose one's temper. For instance, someone might say, "He really got angry when he found out about the mistake." This slang usage carries a sense of emotional outburst or outburst of anger.
"Kick off" can also be related to the idiom "touch off". "Touch off" means to trigger or initiate a response or chain of events. For example, a small disagreement between two people could "touch off" a larger argument. The phrase "touch off" highlights the cause-and-effect relationship and the domino effect that can occur in interpersonal interactions.
The idiom "kick off" has multiple meanings and uses in English. It can refer to the beginning or initiation of a game, event, or activity, as well as signify the abrupt start of something or describe a disruptive and chaotic situation. It can also be related to the idioms "kick in" and "touch off", which emphasize contribution and triggering a response, respectively. Additionally, it is important to note the slang usage of "kick off" in some dialects to indicate becoming angry or losing one's temper. This versatile idiom captures the dynamic and varied nature of language and continues to be utilized in various contexts.
Example usage
1. The game will kick off at 2 PM tomorrow.
2. The concert kicks off their world tour in Los Angeles.
3. The team's captain was sent off the field after an aggressive kick off with an opponent.
More "Start" idioms
