ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kick in

idiom
Meaning

To begin, contribute or join in on.


Examples
SIMPLE

The medicine takes ten minutes to kick in.

CONTEXTUAL

After a slow start, the whole team began to kick in and help with the project.

COMPLEX

As the caffeine finally began to kick in, her thoughts sharpened and the fog of exhaustion slowly lifted from her mind.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    get a kick out of

    To be delighted by; to be amused by.

  2. 02

    get one's kicks

    To enjoy oneself, to have a good time.

  3. 03

    kick a dog when it's down

    To make things worse for someone in an adverse situation.

  4. 04

    kick ass

    To win decisively.

  5. 05

    kick ass and take names

    To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.

  6. 06

    kick at an open door

    To carry out a redundant activity.

  7. 07

    kick at the can

    An attempt or an opportunity.

  8. 08

    kick back

    To relax; to laze.

Last updated April 17, 2026