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Phrasal verbs are an essential part of natural English. They are formed by combining a verb with an adverb or preposition, often creating meanings that are very different from the original verb.
Among these, phrasal verbs with KICK are commonly used in everyday conversations, sports, work situations, and informal writing. Mastering them will help you understand native speakers better and express yourself more confidently.
In this lesson, you’ll learn a carefully selected list of common phrasal verbs with KICK, including clear meanings, accurate examples for each meaning, pronunciation, and grammar notes.
List of Common Phrasal Verbs with KICK
Phrasal Verbs with KICK: Meaning and Examples
Kick off
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk ɒf/
📖 Meaning: To start or begin an event, activity, or game.
📝 Example: The football match will kick off at 7 p.m.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Intransitive
- Structure: Inseparable
🔄 Synonyms: Begin, Start, Launch
Usage note: Avoid using kick off to mean “die.” The correct idiom is kick the bucket.
Kick out
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk aʊt/
📖 Meaning: To force someone to leave a place, group, or organization.
📝 Example: The bouncer kicked out the drunk customer.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Transitive
- Structure: Separable
🔄 Synonyms: Expel, Remove, Throw out
Kick up
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk ʌp/
📖 Meaning 1: To cause something (dust, wind, noise) to rise.
📝 Example: The horses kicked up a cloud of dust.
📖 Meaning 2: To create trouble, anger, or a fuss.
📝 Example: His comment kicked up a lot of controversy online.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Transitive / Intransitive
- Structure: Separable (when transitive)
🔄 Synonyms: Stir up, Cause, Provoke
Kick around
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk əˈraʊnd/
📖 Meaning 1: To discuss ideas informally.
📝 Example: We kicked around a few ideas during lunch.
📖 Meaning 2: To move around casually without a fixed plan.
📝 Example: They spent the summer kicking around Europe.
📖 Meaning 3: To treat someone unfairly or disrespectfully.
📝 Example: He refused to let his boss kick him around anymore.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Transitive / Intransitive
- Structure: Separable (when transitive)
🔄 Synonyms: Discuss, Wander, Push around
Kick down
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk daʊn/
📖 Meaning: To knock something over or destroy it by kicking.
📝 Example: He kicked down the broken chair in frustration.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Transitive
- Structure: Separable
🔄 Synonyms: Knock down, Smash
Usage note: For forced entry through doors, kick in is more commonly used.
Kick in
🔊 Pronunciation: /kɪk ɪn/
📖 Meaning 1: To start to take effect.
📝 Example: The medicine kicked in after thirty minutes.
📖 Meaning 2: To contribute money or help.
📝 Example: Everyone kicked in to buy a farewell gift.
📖 Meaning 3: To break something open by kicking.
📝 Example: The police kicked in the door during the raid.
💡 Grammar Note:
- Type: Transitive / Intransitive
- Structure: Inseparable (Meaning 1)
🔄 Synonyms: Take effect, Contribute, Break open
Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with KICK
Dialogue 1: Starting an Event
A: Are we ready to begin the presentation?
B: Yes, let’s kick off with a short introduction.
A: Good idea. That will help everyone understand the topic.
Dialogue 2: Being Forced to Leave
A: Why did the security stop that guy?
B: He was making a scene, so they kicked him out.
A: That explains why the place feels calmer now.
Dialogue 3: Creating Trouble
A: What happened in the meeting this morning?
B: One comment kicked up a lot of anger among the staff.
A: I guess that’s why everyone looks so tense.
Dialogue 4: Discussing Ideas Informally
A: Do we have a final plan yet?
B: Not really. We’re still kicking around a few ideas.
A: That’s fine. It’s better than rushing a bad decision.
Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb.
(kick off, kick out, kick up, kick around, kick in)
- The concert will ______ at 8 p.m., so don’t be late.
- The new policy ______ a lot of debate online.
- The manager had to ______ the customer for shouting at staff.
- Let’s ______ a few options before making a final choice.
- The painkillers didn’t ______ until almost an hour later.
Answer Key – Exercise 1
- kick off
- kicked up
- kick out
- kick around
- kick in
Exercise 2: Choose the correct meaning.
- “The meeting kicked off with a short video.”
a) End suddenly
b) Begin officially
c) Cause trouble - “They kicked him out of the apartment.”
a) Invited him in
b) Forced him to leave
c) Discussed his behavior - “The news kicked up a public reaction.”
a) Reduced interest
b) Created strong feelings
c) Ended the discussion - “We kicked around the idea for weeks.”
a) Rejected it immediately
b) Discussed it casually
c) Forgot about it - “The new law will kick in next year.”
a) Be canceled
b) Take effect
c) Be discussed
Answer Key – Exercise 2
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is “kick off” commonly used to mean death?
A: No. That meaning is slang and often inappropriate. Use kick the bucket instead.
Q: What is the difference between “kick in” and “kick down”?
A: Kick in is commonly used for doors or when something takes effect, while kick down usually means knocking something over.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs with KICK are highly practical and frequently used in English. By learning each meaning with its own example, you can avoid confusion and use these expressions accurately in real-life situations.
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