Phrasal verb
kick around
Definition
phrasal verb. to treat someone or something roughly or unkindly; also, to move something around carelessly.
phrasal verb. 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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“He kicked the ball around the yard.”
contextual
“The manager kicked the idea around for weeks before making a decision.”
complex
“The proposal was kicked around in the meeting, but no one had the courage to present it.”
Usage
typically followed by a direct object, which can be a physical object or an abstract concept like an idea.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'kick out' (to expel) and 'kick off' (to start); note that 'kick around' can be both literal (moving something) and figurative (treatment).
Pitfall
He kicked around.
He kicked the ball around.
the phrasal verb requires a direct object to indicate what is being kicked.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
kick + around + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/kick-around