get one's kicks
To enjoy oneself, to have a good time.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He gets his kicks from riding his motorcycle on weekends.”
“Some people enjoy quiet hobbies, but she gets her kicks from extreme sports like skydiving.”
“While others sought fulfillment in professional success, he preferred to get his kicks from the unpredictable nature of street photography.”
From *kick*, in the sense of a sudden pleasure or thrill, the phrase is a variation of the earlier construction *to get a kick out of*. It appears in the mid-20th century as a colloquial expression for seeking excitement.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 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”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026