ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get one's kicks

idiom
Meaning

To enjoy oneself, to have a good time.


Origin

disputed origin

From kick (“pleasure, thrill”). Compare get a kick out of.

Examples
SIMPLE

He gets his kicks from riding his motorcycle on weekends.

CONTEXTUAL

Some people enjoy quiet hobbies, but she gets her kicks from extreme sports like skydiving.

COMPLEX

While others sought fulfillment in professional success, he preferred to get his kicks from the unpredictable nature of street photography.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026