Kick back
phrasal verb
To relax, especially doing nothing strenuous.
After a long day at work, I just want to kick back and watch some TV.
Often appears as...
- kick back and relax
- kick back with a drink
Usage tips
Informal
transitive verb
To pay a bribe or illicit payment.
The company was found to be kicking back to local politicians in exchange for contracts.
Often appears as...
- kick back payments
- kick back scheme
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
Recoil, a sudden backward motion usually by a gun when fired.
Watch out for the kick back when you fire that shotgun.
Often appears as...
- kick back from a gun
- unexpected kick back
phrasal verb
To relax, especially doing nothing strenuous.
After a long day at work, I just want to kick back and watch some TV.
Often appears as...
- kick back and relax
- kick back with a drink
Usage tips
Informal
transitive verb
To pay a bribe or illicit payment.
The company was found to be kicking back to local politicians in exchange for contracts.
Often appears as...
- kick back payments
- kick back scheme
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
Recoil, a sudden backward motion usually by a gun when fired.
Watch out for the kick back when you fire that shotgun.
Often appears as...
- kick back from a gun
- unexpected kick back
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Leisure Time
Used when talking about relaxing leisure activities after work or responsibilities.
I’ll kick back with my favorite book tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Mostly used in casual and informal conversations among friends and family.
Let's kick back at my place this weekend.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid In Essays
Not suitable for formal writing; use alternatives like 'relax' for academic or professional contexts.
In her free time, she likes to kick back – incorrect in a formal essay.
Pro Tip 1/3Leisure Time
Used when talking about relaxing leisure activities after work or responsibilities.
I’ll kick back with my favorite book tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Mostly used in casual and informal conversations among friends and family.
Let's kick back at my place this weekend.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid In Essays
Not suitable for formal writing; use alternatives like 'relax' for academic or professional contexts.
In her free time, she likes to kick back – incorrect in a formal essay.
Pro Tip 1/3Leisure Time
Used when talking about relaxing leisure activities after work or responsibilities.
I’ll kick back with my favorite book tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Mostly used in casual and informal conversations among friends and family.
Let's kick back at my place this weekend.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid In Essays
Not suitable for formal writing; use alternatives like 'relax' for academic or professional contexts.
In her free time, she likes to kick back – incorrect in a formal essay.
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