kick some tires
To shop for a vehicle or other item to purchase or in which to invest.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am going to the dealership to kick some tires today.”
“Before we commit to buying a new company van, we should visit a few lots to kick some tires.”
“The investors decided to kick some tires on the startup's financial projections before they agreed to provide any significant capital.”
From the practice of inspecting a vehicle or aircraft by striking the tires with one's foot to test for appropriate pressure or structural integrity. The phrase persists as a metaphor for preliminary investigation.
- 01
dog who caught the tire
One who accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat, but does not know what to do next.
- 02
get a kick out of
To be delighted by; to be amused by.
- 03
get one's kicks
To enjoy oneself, to have a good time.
- 04
kick a dog when it's down
To make things worse for someone in an adverse situation.
- 05
kick ass
To win decisively.
- 06
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.
- 07
kick at an open door
To carry out a redundant activity.
- 08
kick at the can
An attempt or an opportunity.
Last updated August 10, 2026