English Reference
Idiom idiom

down with the kids


who attempts (especially in vain) to appeal to young people by imitating them

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“He tries too hard to be down with the kids.”

CONTEXTUAL

“The teacher used modern slang in class, but he was clearly not down with the kids.”

COMPLEX

“In a desperate attempt to remain relevant, the aging executive adopted trendy fashion choices, though he was painfully not down with the kids.”


Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    all kidding aside

    Used to attempt to state a serious point in a jocular conversation.

  2. 02

    dustbin Lid

    [Cockney slang]kid

  3. 03

    dustbin lid/s

    [Cockney slang]kid/s

  4. 04

    handle with kid gloves

    To treat (a person or a subject) very delicately or carefully, especially so as not to cause offense or controversy.

  5. 05

    kid around

    To engage in playful fun.

  6. 06

    new kid in town

    Synonym of new kid on the block.

  7. 07

    new kid on the block

    Someone or something new to an existing community.

Last updated August 10, 2026