ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kick around with

phrasal verb.
Definition

phrasal verb. to spend time with someone in a casual, playful way; to joke or tease someone lightly.

phrasal verb. to engage in informal, lighthearted interaction with someone; can also imply roughhousing or playful physical contact.


SIMPLE

They kicked around with friends all afternoon.

CONTEXTUAL

After the meeting, the team kicked around with their manager in the break room.

COMPLEX

The children kicked around with the ball in the park, their laughter echoing through the trees.

  • avoid
  • stay away from
  • refuse to interact with
Particles
around with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
kick + around + with + object
Usage

followed by a person or thing; informal and often implies playful or casual interaction.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'mess around with' (more chaotic) and 'hang out with' (more neutral); 'kick around with' carries a slight physical or verbal playfulness.

Pitfall

They kicked with around the park.They kicked around with friends at the park.the particle 'around' must precede 'with'; the phrase is fixed and inseparable.

Last updated April 24, 2026