tyre kicker
A person who pretends to be interested in purchasing an item (especially a car), but who has no intention of buying it.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't waste time on that tyre kicker at the dealership.”
“I hate selling things online because every second person is a tyre kicker.”
“Are you actually going to buy this bike or are you just a tyre kicker?”
“The seller grew frustrated because every potential buyer who called was just another tyre kicker.”
“The real estate agent stopped answering his calls after realizing he was a tyre kicker who just liked looking at expensive houses.”
“We spent all morning showing her the equipment, but she turned out to be a tyre kicker with no budget.”
“After spending hours detailing the vehicle's history, he realized the man was merely a tyre kicker with no genuine intent to finalize the purchase.”
From the physical habit of kicking the tyres of a motor vehicle during an inspection. The gesture is performed as a superficial test of condition, often by a prospective purchaser who has no genuine intention of completing the sale.
- 01
dog who caught the tire
One who accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat, but does not know what to do next.
- 02
kick some tires
To shop for a vehicle or other item to purchase or in which to invest.
- 03
kick the tires
To inspect something to ensure it meets expected standards or has favored characteristics, typically before committing to purchasing or otherwise selecting it.
- 04
kick the tyres
Alternative form of kick the tires.
- 05
pump someone's tires
To praise, encourage, or vigorously support someone.
- 06
sick and tired
Bored to the point of weariness.
- 07
tire fire
A disaster; a chaotic person, thing, or situation.
- 08
tired and emotional
Drunk.
Last updated August 10, 2026