kick around
phr. v..phr. v.. to treat someone or something roughly or unkindly; also, to move something around carelessly.
phr. v.. to strike or move something repeatedly with the foot; also, to treat someone or something in a dismissive or rough manner, often implying lack of respect or consideration.
He kicked the ball around the yard.
The manager kicked the idea around for weeks before making a decision.
The proposal was kicked around in the meeting, but no one had the courage to present it.
- Particles
- around
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- kick + around + object
typically followed by a direct object, which can be a physical object or an abstract concept like an idea.
contrast with 'kick out' (to expel) and 'kick off' (to start); note that 'kick around' can be both literal (moving something) and figurative (treatment).
He kicked around.He kicked the ball around.the phrasal verb requires a direct object to indicate what is being kicked.