Kick up
phrasal verb
To cause trouble or commotion.
John is always kicking up a fuss whenever he is not satisfied with something.
Often appears as...
- kick up a fuss
- kick up a storm
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To increase or improve something.
We need to kick up our marketing efforts if we want to reach our sales targets.
Often appears as...
- kick up efforts
- kick up production
phrasal verb
To throw up dust or spray by the motion of one's feet or a vehicle.
The horses were kicking up dust as they raced down the track.
Often appears as...
- kick up dust
- kick up sand
phrasal verb
To rear up on the hind legs, as a horse does.
The horse kicked up when the gunshot rang out.
Often appears as...
- kick up suddenly
- horse kick up
phrasal verb
To cause trouble or commotion.
John is always kicking up a fuss whenever he is not satisfied with something.
Often appears as...
- kick up a fuss
- kick up a storm
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To increase or improve something.
We need to kick up our marketing efforts if we want to reach our sales targets.
Often appears as...
- kick up efforts
- kick up production
phrasal verb
To throw up dust or spray by the motion of one's feet or a vehicle.
The horses were kicking up dust as they raced down the track.
Often appears as...
- kick up dust
- kick up sand
phrasal verb
To rear up on the hind legs, as a horse does.
The horse kicked up when the gunshot rang out.
Often appears as...
- kick up suddenly
- horse kick up
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion
Used when someone shows strong dissatisfaction or objection.
He's likely to kick up a fuss if we arrive late.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Possible
Sometimes 'kick up' implies the reaction is bigger than expected.
She didn't just complain, she kicked up a storm at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Verbal Disruption
Can suggest disrupting a situation by speaking out.
When he's unhappy, he has a habit of kicking up trouble.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion
Used when someone shows strong dissatisfaction or objection.
He's likely to kick up a fuss if we arrive late.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Possible
Sometimes 'kick up' implies the reaction is bigger than expected.
She didn't just complain, she kicked up a storm at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Verbal Disruption
Can suggest disrupting a situation by speaking out.
When he's unhappy, he has a habit of kicking up trouble.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion
Used when someone shows strong dissatisfaction or objection.
He's likely to kick up a fuss if we arrive late.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Possible
Sometimes 'kick up' implies the reaction is bigger than expected.
She didn't just complain, she kicked up a storm at the meeting.
Pro Tip 3/3Verbal Disruption
Can suggest disrupting a situation by speaking out.
When he's unhappy, he has a habit of kicking up trouble.
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